LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



DDDliSliESliDA 




Class L A 3 3/ 7 
Book-A-C. I r A 3 



Reminiscences of the 

Life and Travels of 

Mrs.J.A.Hovey-Colby 



REMINISCENCES 

OF THE LIFE AND TRAVELS OF 

MRS. JULIA A. H. COLBY 



REMINISCENCES 
o/THE LIFE AND TRAVELS 

OF 

MRS. JULIA A. H. COLBY 



SPRINGFIELD .MISSOURI 
1916 



By Transfer 

JAN 22 1921 



r 






Bfbtratum 

To my dear sister Eva C. Rountree, and many other 
dear friends, who in their loving kindness have min- 
istered to me in her absence; and to my dear friends, 
Mrs. Alta Stevens and Mrs. Josephine Huxley, is this 
booklet dedicated. 

J. A. H. C. 



jtV , 16. UfooetAM 



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Reminiscences 



Contents 



Brief Sketch of My Life Page 1 

Smoke from the Chimney Page 3 

Sixty Years' School Work Is Record of Mrs. Colby.. Page 5 

Mrs. Julia A. Hovey-Colby Page 8 

Tributes — 

Edward M. Shepard Page 11 

J. Fairbanks Page 12 

Mrs. Neva Thomas Page 13 

E. Viola Peak Page 13 

Hazel M. Council Page 14 

Emma Mutscheler Page 14 

Martha A. Risser Page 15 

T. K. Bowman . Page 15 

Mrs. T. K. Bowman .. Page 15 

Vernie Thompson Dunn Page 16 

Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Huxley Page 16 

Sarah Elizabeth Bartley Page 16 

Mrs. Ellen Bronson Page 20 

To My Boys and Girls Who Have Won Page 18 

A Tribute of Love -.Page 20 

Pensions for Teachers Page 20 

The Old Lebanon Academy Page 22 

Let a Little Sunshine In ...Page 24 

What Would You Do with a Million Dollars Page 26 

Extract from a Letter from a St. Louis Teacher Page 26 

Rienzi's Address to the Romans— a Parody.. Page 27 

No Time Page 28 

Protect Your Fruit Trees. Page 34 

A Cosy Picture... ..Page 35 

Little Orphans of Belgium. Page 37 

In the Clouds Page 38 

A Sane Fourth Page 40 

A Trip to Europe _ .Page 40a 

Let Each with a Heart Say Page 40s 

God Save the State Page 40t 

Expositions Page 41 

New Orleans Exposition Page 42 

Chicago Exposition. Page 44 

Omaha, 1898 .. Page 46 

St. Louis Exposition Page 47 

Our Trip to California Page 51 



Reminiscences 



Trips to St Paul and Florida. ._ Page 54 

Florida Page 66 

Fallen Men ...Page 59 

My Second Trip to Europe Page 61 

A Light in the Window for Me . Page 78 

Is the World Growing More Humane? Page 80 

A Warning Page 86 

Wanted — A Christian Thanksgiving Page 87 

Disfranchised or American Women and Their "Political Superiors" ..Page 90 

Suffrage Float in Parade Page 92 

Lily Field a Scene of Rare Beauty Page 92 

Men's Dress Page 93 

Memorial Month Page 94 

Republic Club Reception Page 94 

Eighth Grade Party Page 95 

Mrs. Colby Entertains Page 96 

A Rare Teacher - Page 96 

From the National Humane Review Page 97 

Mrs. Colby in Oklahoma Page 98 

W. C. T. U. Rally Song -Page 100 

How I Earned My W. C. T. U. Dollar .. ..Page 101 

Bird Incidents -for Children's Corner Page 105 

Retrospection Page 111 




Brief Sketch of My Life 

N the dear old State of Ohio, the State 
that gave us as many prominent men 
as Virginia gave us presidents, and in 
the little town of Bazetta, Trumbull 
County, Warren being the county 
seat, in the year 1837 the author of 
this little sketch first saw the light of day. My early 
girlhood days were passed in this beautiful State, 
when, at the age of fifteen, in company with a 
younger sister, I came to my adopted State of Mis- 
souri. We traveled all the way on steamboats (except 
a short distance on a canal boat from Warren to Pitts- 
burg) on the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri rivers to 
Jefferson City, coming overland to Buffalo, Missouri, 
after weeks of travel, taking our overjoyed parents 
by surprise who introduced us as their ' 'little soldiers, ' ' 
because we came so far alone, a feat at that day and 
time considered more of an undertaking than at the 
present time. 

After a brief time of school life in my adopted 
State, both in my home town and at Lebanon Acad- 
emy, I became a teacher at the age of seventeen, and 
with the exception of a few years of my married life, 
and the year I went abroad in 1900, have spent the 
most of my life in the school room. My experience in 
teaching has been quite varied — from years in the 
country school to many more taught in my own and 
many of the neighboring towns of Bolivar, Marsh- 
field, Lebanon, and in counties more remote, as in 
Miller, Phelps, and Cole counties, near Jefferson City, 
and lastly in Springfield, where I have taught many 
years and am still teaching in 1915. In early girl- 
hood, being of a religious turn of mind, I joined tho 



Reminiscences 



church under the administration of one of Ohio's most 
noted divines, the Rev. Isaac Errett. As I became 
older I naturally became interested in all the reforms 
of the day, early in life joining a temperance society 
in which I have renewed my membership in every 
locality where I have remained for any considerable 
length of time, taking up as opportunity presented 
itself other reforms, and have been for many years 
an earnest advocate of the suffrage reform, and when 
more than twenty-five years ago I circulated a peti- 
tion for signatures in favor of Woman Suffrage 
in Springfield, I was informed by the committee at 
headquarters that I had one of the longest petitions 
of any worker in the field. 

Being a great lover of animals, I have for many 
years been an earnest member of a humane society, 
and am Superintendent of the Mercy Department of 
the W. C. T. U., and recently joined the Welfare 
Society for Homeless Women and Girls. And last, but 
not least, am a member of the American Woman's 
Republic, and was one among hundreds of other 
earnest women who signed the declaration of inde- 
pendence for women in this organization at Univer- 
sity City a few years ago, and consider that we only 
need suffrage for women to make all these grand 
reforms a complete success. 

While I live alone, still I am not alone, for with 
the birds and flowers, my books and pictures, and a 
host of true and tried friends, among them pupils of 
the years ago, now grown to manhood and woman- 
hood, whose appreciation of their former teacher 
prompts them to place in her care their own dear lit- 
tle ones; so you see, I am beautifully entertained 
through all the years, and in memory travel over 
again those beautiful scenes once visited and so thor- 
oughly enjoyed, in Europe and many other interest- 



Reminiscences 



ing places. And when I am asked, "Do you 
never get lonesome, living as you do all alone?" I say 
"Why should I, with all these companions and beau- 
tiful memories to keep me company?" And now as 1 
advance in life, at the age of seventy- eight, I see 
more to enjoy, more to live for, and more avenues of 
opportunities for the uplifting of humanity than ever 
before, and for all this I hope to live many years yet 
to see the culmination and success of all the great and 
good work that is being so earnestly and so persist- 
ently accomplished by the grand and noble men and 

women of the world. 

Julia A. Hovey-Colby. 



Smoke from the Chimney 

On cold wintry mornings at the dawn of the day, 
With the silence and darkness of night passed away, 
When we draw aside curtains and glancing outside, 
We wonder if all's well where our neighbors abide. 
But we feel an assurance that all there is well, 
And this is the token by which we can tell — 
There is smoke coming out of their chimneys. 

With the coming of holidays, what pleasure and joy 
For the dear little children, each girl and each boy. 
"We're going to the country this beautiful day," 
Said three little children, as they went on their way. 
And as they drew near, and the home they all spied — 
"See, grandma's at home," they all eagerly cried, 
"For there's smoke coming out of the chimney." 

There was in the city a kind hearted boy, 
And to do good to others was his pleasure and joy. 
He had a kind neighbor who lived all alone. 
"And I'll take her," he said, "a gift all my own 



Reminiscences 



This dear Christmas morning, " (Old Santa '11 be 

shocked). 
So he sat by the window and patiently watched 
For the smoke to come out of her chimney. 

Another old lady lived all by herself, 

Who had many friends, but little of pelf. 

But her neighbors were kind and thoughtful each day, 

And once she heard one of her kind neighbors say, 

"The first thing I do when from sleep I arouse 

Is to look out my window and glance at your house 

To see if there's smoke coming out of your chimney. " 

And when it is night and all gloomy around 
And the beautiful stars in the heavens are found, 
It is cheering to see in the homes of our neighbors 
The bright cheerful lights that shine on night's labors. 
But sad if no lights in some windows we see 
When night draws her curtain, and in the morning 

there be 
No smoke coming out of their chimneys. 

There are many dear people who live all alone, 

And some, perhaps, in the past better days have 

known. 
And when the dear Christ said, "Love one another, 
And be unto each one a sister or brother," 
It's well if we 're watchful and kind to our neighbors 
And try to relieve them from misfortune and labors, 
And watch for the smoke from their chimneys. 

Julia A. Hovey-Colby. 



Elsewhere in this booklet will be seen a compan- 
ion piece to "Smoke from the Chimney," entitled, 
"A Light in the Window for Me." 



Reminiscences 



Sixty Years' School Work Is Record of 
Mrs. Colby 

Interesting Tales Are Told by Ker Concerning Experiences of 
the Past 

If in strolling about the Queen City you should 
chance to find yourself on South Grant Street, a block 
or two north of the Campbell School you will see a 
little Swiss chalet. On the front porch is a board 
which reads, "Select School." This is the home of 
Mrs. Julia A. H. Colby, one of the pioneer teachers of 
Missouri. 

Mrs. Colby was born in Ohio, but came to Mis- 
souri at the age of sixteen. Soon after her arrival in 
the State of her adoption, she began her career as a 
teacher near Buffalo, Dallas County. With the excep- 
tion of a very few years during her married life, she 
has been actively engaged in teaching since that 
time. And if she continues to teach throughout this 
year, she will have a span of sixty years spent in that 
work to her credit. 

Her first school house was made of logs. The 
floor and benches were made of slabs with the bark 
left on the under side. One log cut out served for a 
window and a large fireplace solved the problem of 
heating. 

One of her earliest ventures in the pedagogic field 
was in connection with a private school near Jeffer- 
son City. Afterward she taught in Lebanon, and for 
many years was identified with the Marshfield schools. 

After coming to Springfield she presided over the 
primary department of the Campbell School for six- 
teen years. All of her work has been done within 
this State. 

Mrs. Colby is one of those teachers who not only 
teaches the boys and girls the "three R's" but other 



6 Reminiscences 



things equally useful not found in text books. She 
is also wise enough to know that dry feet are more 
important than spelling or phonics. So the little 
folk in her school always were sent to the fire to dry 
wet shoes and to warm their chubby fingers. She saw 
that the wee lassie had her rubbers on before leaving 
and many a Little Boy Blue held his muffler or mittens 
up to her for help. 

Since retiring from public duty in 1890, she has 
opened a private school in her home and it was there 
a Republican reporter found her preparing to send her 
pupils home for the day. 

In 1900 this interesting woman visited Europe. 
After her return she built the cottage where she now 
lives. She said she used this style of architecture 
because she loved the Swiss people so much, and 
everything Swiss. She went abroad again in 1902, 
especially to visit Italy, which had been omitted from 
her first trip. 

Tucked away in this quaint little chalet are beau- 
tiful pictures of the interesting places of the old 
world; a collection of curios, shells, stones and souve- 
nirs of other lands. But best of all is the gentle 
hostess, who gladly goes over her treasures with her 
visitor, recounting endless anecdotes connected with 
them. She points to a picture of Kenilworth Castle 
and tells you that she ate her lunch there, gazing out 
over the basin that was a beautiful lake when Scott 
immortalized the name of Kenilworth. She visited 
the home and resting place of this greatest of Scottish 
bards and stopped at the inn in Melrose Abbey — the 
abbey of which he said: 

"Would you see fair Melrose right, 
Go view it by the pale moonlight." 

She boated on Loch Katryn where "The Lady of 



Reminiscences 



the Lake" rowed her shallop; she saw the home of 
Burns and the Bonnie Doon of which he sang. In Ire- 
land, she was rowed for miles over the lakes of Kil- 
larney, whose very name casts a spell of enchantment 
over the hearer. 

Then she will also tell you of the storied Rhine, 
winding among vine-clad terraces and past ancient 
castles. One of these, Heidelberg, she recalls with 
keen delight, picturing to you this ancient castle over- 
looking the town and river. 

Venice, the city built in the water, takes its part 
in her story. Here, she says, pointing to the picture 
of St. Marks Tower, is the tower that fell. Its fall 
was of peculiar interest to her, as it occurred on the 
day her party had set to ascend it. 

But none of these — the Rhine winding past 
vine-draped terraces, Heidelberg, Kenilworth, Killar- 
ney, or even Venice — has the charm for her that 
Switzerland possesses. Lake Lucerne, nestling at the 
foot of the mountains with the city surrounding it, 
claims her heart. 

Among her cherished possessions, wrapped care- 
fully in paper, is a black lace scarf that she wore 
when received by Pope Leo XIII. She also has her 
ticket of admission. 

A bottle of pulverized lava from Mount Vesuvius 
has its special tale. The lava — not the bottle — was 
extracted from her shoes after her climb. Pompeii, 
that brilliant city which was plunged into darkness 
before our country was known, contributed a piece of 
brick from the ancient buildings. 

Coral, amber, seaweed, and a tiny hamper filled 
with vials of water, each duly labeled, add charm to 
the collection. Pressed heather and eidleweis are 
framed together — eidleweis, the white flower that 



8 Reminiscences 



blooms in the snow of the Alps; heather from the 
uplands of Scotland. 

Besides being a successful gardener in the human 
family, Mrs. Colby is quite successful in her flower 
garden. Last summer she grew lilies for pleasure 
and profit that yielded her quite a nice little sum. 
The picture of the flowers in bloom reminds one of 
scenes from the Bermudas. 

Despite her age, she lives alone and says she 
enjoys the solitude. Thus she lives, but not lonely. 
Her interest in the present and her memories of the 
past keep her busy and cheerful on the shady side of 
a long and useful life. 

Miss Ethel Combs. 
January 12th, 1913. 



Mrs. Julia A. Hovey-Colby 

Though Nearing the Eightieth Mile-Stone in Life, Mrs. Colby 
is Still Teaching School 

Mrs. Colby's father, Dr. Hovey, journeyed from 
Ohio to Missouri about sixty-five years ago, and set- 
tled with his family on the crest of the Ozark Moun- 
tains. She received her education in the public schools 
and in her early teens she was an earnest student at 
the old academy at Lebanon which long ago fell into 
disuse. 

At the age of seventeen Mrs. Colby began her 
life work as a teacher in a country school. At the end 
of the first month of her first school, she received her 
salary — thirteen dollars in gold — part of which she 
had made into a ring. She has worn the ring continuous- 
ly through all the intervening years. After teaching 
in various towns she came to Springfield where she 
taught in the city schools for many years. But since 



Reminiscences 



1900 she has conducted a select school in her home. 

Mrs. Colby is one of those rare teachers who 
believes in educating the heart to feel as well as the 
head to think. And no child ever passes from under 
her instruction who has not been thoroughly imbued 
with the principles of kindness, honor, justice, and all 
the other qualities that go into the making of good 
citizenship. 

Men and women, now gray-haired grand-parents, 
their children, and their children's children, have all 
received their first instruction from Mrs. Colby. 

She saved money from her teacher's salary to 
pay the expenses of a trip to Europe in 1900, and she 
also made a second trip in 1902, visiting places she 
she could not reach on her first tour. 

While in Rome she had audience with the Pope, 
and she still cherishes the card of admittance; and 
also keeps as a remembrance of the occasion the little 
black silk scarf which she wore on her head during 
that brief visit. 

Immediately on her return home after her first 
trip abroad, she built her home — fashioned after the 
quaint Swiss chalet — which nestles among the state- 
ly maples that shade her commodious yard. At this 
time she opened her select school in her own home 
and every year since, Mrs. Colby has taugh an almost 
faultless school in a faultless manner. 

On the walls of her parlors hang the pictures of 
the most famous places she visited in the Old World, 
as well as those of men and women representing the 
most advanced and humane thought of the times. 

She treasures a bottle of pulverized lava secured 
near the edge of the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and ten 
vials of water taken with her own hand from ten great 
rivers of Europe, as well as a vial each from the At- 
lantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. 



10 Reminiscences 



One of the rewards given to her school children 
for good behavior is the privilege of going into the 
parlor and viewing the wonderful collection of 
curios. And be it said to the credit of her pupils they 
are always desirous of winning that special reward. 

Mrs. Colby is also a writer of merit. She contrib- 
utes both prose and poetry to the city papers, and also 
to papers of wide reputation. It was her misfortune 
to be caught in a cyclone at Marshfield many years 
ago. Later she was called upon to write a chapter for 
a book giving her personal experiences during the 
storm. While abroad, she wrote vivid articles describ- 
ing her tour through the various countries of Europe, 
which were published in the city papers and widely 
read. 

She numbers among her many noted friends, 
Dr. W. 0. Stillman, National President, Mrs. Mary F. 
Lovell, Mrs. George T. Angel of Boston, Mrs. M. J. 
Kendall of Nashua, N. H., and Mrs. Belle Jones of 
Rock Island, whom she met at the St. Paul National 
Convention, all workers in the National Humane Soci- 
ety, of which Mrs. Colby is a valued member. And 
she was invited by the President of that Society to 
prepare a paper on the subject, ''Is the World Grow- 
ing More Humane?" which she presented in person at 
the Society's national convention at Saint Augustine, 
Florida, November 8th, 1915. 

Like that most wonderful man of the twentieth 
century — Mr. Edison — Mrs. Colby often works all 
night. And she considers midnight an early hour for 
retiring. She lives alone and spends her evenings in 
reading and writing. 

Mrs. Colby is very fond of birds and has for their 
comfort had posts about five feet high set in the 
ground and surmounted by platforms two feet square. 
On the platforms are placed blue earthenware milk 



Reminiscences 11 



crocks which are kept scrupulously clean. Every 
morning the crocks are filled with cool, fresh water. 
It is a beautiful sight and inspiring to watch the 
many kinds of birds flock around the crocks, drink 
their fill, and take their daily bath. During the 
winter months granite pans take the place of the 
crocks. She feeds the birds through the cold, snowy 
weather; but, in summer they are welcome to take 
their toll from the red-ripe cherries, the luscious mul- 
berries, and all other fruits in their season. 

Mrs. Colby is a staunch suffragist and believes 
the ballot should be placed in the hands of women as 
a protection of her inherent rights — life, liberty, and 
the pursuit of happiness. She is a vegetarian and 
discourages the use of every kind of meat as being 
detrimental to the highest development of the human 
race. Her creed is: To do all the good she can to 
every living creature, which creed she conscientiously 
lives up to. As a natural sequence every living crea- 
ture loves Mrs. Colby. She is an earnest worker for 
all reforms which have for their object the betterment 
of society. 

Peace reigns in the little Swiss chalet. Its owner 
spends the summer days surrounded by her flowers 
and birds. Many visitors come to see her — visitors 
of all ages, from the tiny tot to the octogenarian — all 
happy to know and count as their friend the little 
lady whose long life has been a benediction to all who 
have had the privilege of knowing her. 

Mrs. Alta Stevens. 



October 27th, 1915. 
Few women in Springfield have done more for 
the cause of humanity than Mrs. Julia A. Colby, who 
as a teacher of our youth for several decades, is val- 



12 Reminiscences 



ued in her profession as an instructor who magnifies 
the moulding of character as the first step in educa- 
tion. As a charter member of the local Humane 
Society, a worker in the W. C. T. U., and every cause 
relating to the public welfare, Mrs. Colby occupies an 
enviable place in the esteem of her fellow townspeo- 
ple who appreciate her unselfish life and her efficient 
service. Edward M. Shepard, 

President, Springfield Humane Society. 



Springfield, Mo., October 27th, 1915. 

This most estimable lady was a teacher in the 
Springfield, Missouri, schools for many years, and did 
such work as few can equal. She is so constituted 
that she does everything well, but teaching primary 
pupils seems to be her especial forte. She is scholarly, 
big-hearted, sympathetic and generous to a degree, 
and has won the little people as only such a person 
can. 

The children loved her, and this won the hearts 
of the parents as well. She possessed the power of 
getting every child to do his best in whatever he was 
doing. Many children are very timid when they first 
enter school, and can be heard with difficulty under 
most teachers. Many teachers conclude that these 
little folks have weak voices, and cannot speak louder, 
but this lady had the power or faculty of suppressing 
this timidity, and of bringing their voices out. She 
never had a pupil long under her care that could not 
speak out so as to be distinctly heard in every part of 
the schoolroom. Through her persistency and kind- 
ness she won the confidence of the child, and could 
accomplish wonders with him. 

I have always admired Mrs. Colby for her inge- 
nuity as a teacher. She has faculties that no amount 



Reminiscences 13 



of training can bring out, faculties only born in the 
person, and that few possess; and it is a fact that 
Mrs. Colby is a "born teacher," as well as a person 
of a thoroughly trained mind. 

There are so many good things to say of Mrs. 
Colby, and she possesses such a rare nature, that it 
would require pages to describe, and a genius to do 
her justice. I cannot undertake the task, but simply 
say that she is a wonderful woman. There are very 
few like Mrs. Julia A. H. Colby. 

J. Fairbanks, 
Formerly Superintendent of City Schools, 
Springfield, Mo. 



To make the world a little better, and the people 
a little happier seems to be the mission of Julia A. 
Colby as she passes through life. 

It has been my privilege and pleasure to know 
Mrs. Colby for twenty-five years, having been asso- 
ciated with her in all forms of temperance and 
suffrage work. She has always been a sanguine and 
optimistic worker, giving of time, strength and means 
that sentiment might be created that would give us 
"A saloonless nation in 1920," and her motto has ever 
been, "For God and Home and Native Land." 

Mrs. Neva Thomas, 
State Treasurer of Missouri W. C. T. U. 



Let us be kind. 
To age and youth let gracious words be spoken 
So taught our Sister Colby. 

Let us be kind 
To bird and beast, and all mankind — 
As taught by Sister Colby. 



14 Reminiscences 



Let us be kind. 
This is the wealth that has no measure — 
As experienced by Sister Colby. 

Let us be kind, 
And when the angel guides have found us, 
Their hands shall link the broken ties that bound us, 
And heaven and home shall brighten all around us — 
Because we have been kind like Sister Colby. 
Let us be kind! 

E. Viola Peak, 
President of the Greene County W. C. T. U. 
October 28th, 1915. 



To one who has hundreds of living monuments in 
her former pupils, stretching over a span of sixty 
years, and including men and women whose hair is 
silvered and little lads and lassies now learning their 
letters at her knee, a written tribute must seem like 
an autumn leaf, seared and lifeless. But when it is 
touched by love from one who was not fortunate 
enough to have been one of her pupils, and admira- 
tion for what she has accomplished, perhaps that 
tribute can take on new meaning. 

With her broad outlook on life, her unquestioned 
faith in humanity, her fight for higher ideals, her 
boundless energy, and her interest in all things, both 
great and small, Mrs. Julia A. H. Colby is one of 
God's own noble women. Hazel M. Council, 

Daily Leader Reporter. 



I wish to add my tribute of love to my friend, 
Mrs. Colby, a co-worker with me in both the 
W. C. T. U. and the Humane Society — in fact, iden- 



Reminiscences 15 



tified with all the most prominent reforms of the day. 
As superintendent of the Mercy Department, her 
favorite work being in the line of mercy, she is asso- 
ciated with the Humane Society, of which she is a life 
member and an earnest worker, making it a point to 
never miss a meeting. 

Mrs. Colby's interest and untiring energy in the 
lines of work in which she is engaged has won for 
her the esteem of the community in which she lives. 

Emma Mutscheler. 



The friendship of youth is sweet, so confident, so 
free from criticism. What memories they recall! 
But the friendship of those who have learned life's 
lessons is a holy thing. Mrs. Colby and I have been 
intimately associated for several years and my appre- 
ciation of her friendship is indeed sacred. 

Martha A. Risser. 



October 28th, 1915. 
If every citizen had the noble qualities of my dear 
old friend, Mrs. Colby, how blessed the lot of the 
mayor would be. No reformatories, prisons, saloons 
or courts would there be; no cry for better govern- 
ment, for all would live in peace and harmony. 

Thank God for the few lives like Julia A. Colby's! 
They are as shining lights, as leaven that leaveneth 
the whole. Faithfully yours, 

T. K. Bowman, 
Mayor of Springfield, Mo. 



My Dear Mrs. Colby: 

It is a tribute to say your life seems the personi- 



16 Reminiscences 



fication of joy. To me it has seemed so these many, 
many years. That you may keep your health and 
do your work, and live, and grow, and give is my 
sincere wish. Very tryly yours, 

Mrs. T. K. Bowman. 



My Dearly Beloved Teacher: 

Weeks ago the picture of you in the midst of your 
lilies came to me. I thank you heartily for the gift. 

How I wish that my children knew you, and 
could come under your beneficent influence. 

I consider you to be one of Springfield's most 
useful citizens. Vernie Thompson Dunn. 



In commemoration of our much esteemed friend, 
Mrs. Julia A. Hovey-Colby, we most earnestly wish 
to add our tribute of appreciation of her goodness, 
ranking as one of the most sincere and amiable 
women of Springfield, who has for many years, and is 
now, filling several offices in different charitable 
organizations of this city. 

Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Huxley. 



It has been my pleasure to have the acquaintance 
of Mrs. Julia A. H. Colby for twenty-two years. We 
met during the summer of '93 in Chicago, and within 
the pine walls of that renowned building, The Woman's 
Dormitory Building, where we were both domiciled in 
the interests of our creature comforts, spending out- 
side time in getting all the profit and pleasure we 
could from that wonderful exposition, The World's 
Fair. I still hold with true appreciation the educative 
value which those days, and weeks, and months 



Reminiscences 17 



afforded, when Jackson Park opened its gates to the 
vast throngs of people who gathered there from every 
part of the globe, and the whole world was presented 
to them as an open book. 

So much that was great, and grand, and beauti- 
ful to see, and hear, and learn! But out of it all, 
what has been to me the sweetest and most cherished 
acquisition of that summer, was this, 1 made the 
acquaintance of Mrs. Colby, and the years that have 
passed have emphasized to me, over and over again, 
the words of a noted writer, ' 'The best thing that we 
find in our travels is an honest friend." Such, to me, 
has been this kindly, loving, noble woman. 

For more than two decades we have sustained a 
delightful correspondence. Twice during the time 
Mrs. Colby has crossed the ocean and toured in for- 
eign lands, and I 've said, "If I cannot go abroad 
myself, the next best thing for me, is to have Mrs. 
Colby go and then give me the benefit of her gifted 
pen." Her eye catches sight of everything lovely and 
grand in landscape or architecture, and her ear every- 
thing in music, from the song of a bird to the vast 
choirs and orchestras of the Old World; and her mind 
grasps everything that is good and pure and holy; 
and then she has a marvelous adaptability of dispens- 
ing these gathered treasures to all those with whom 
she comes in contact, either by pen or voice. 

As a teacher — fortunate is the child who becomes 
her pupil, for her "material" and methods for char- 
acter building are truly unexcelled. 

As a temperance worker she is always on the 
alert, and from the earliest organization of the 
Woman's Christian Temperance Union, she has worn 
"The little bow of Ribbon White." 

Her kindness and care reaches out to the birds 
and dumb animals, for in humane and anti-cruelty 



18 Reminiscences 



organizations she is a leader. Every where she goes 
is sown the seeds of righteousness and good will, and 
every one 'round about her feels the touch of her 
beneficent influence so that we like to say: 

"How rare is the fragrance that follows 

The track of a beautiful life; 
How rich the rewards and achievements 

Of victory, mingled with strife." 

Strife? Yes, our beloved Mrs. Colby has not been 
exempt from the hard tests in life that are put on file 
for us all in the book of Experience, but with such 
optimism and philosophy has she met the knotty 
problems that neither Father Time nor the weight of 
years have robbed face or form of attractive cheerful- 
ness or active symmetry. So helpful and so charm- 
ing has been to me this strong, loyal friendship, that 
in thinking of this dear woman I find myself musing: 

"A place in my heart thou hast ever, 

And today this greeting I send, 
Distance, absence, nor time can not sever 

The love of a trusted friend." 

Sarah Elizabeth Bartley. 
South Bethlehem, Pa. , June 8th, 1915. 



To My Boys and Girls Who Have Won 

In my experience in teaching, I always consider 
it one of my most prominent duties to the dear ones 
entrusted to my care to instill into their pliant minds 
the necessity, if they would be successful and happy 
in life, to strive to be something, to grow to manhood 
and womanhood with honor and respect, and to try to 
win a name in some special calling. And many are 
the treasured words and messages of appreciation and 



Reminiscences 19 



gratitude for the council given, by those who have 
won, and it thrills my heart with pleasure to know of 
their success; and many have won — but few have 
failed. 

Some of the most prominent winners among my 
boys and girls, I will mention. The Misses Haseltine 
(Edna and Una), are beautiful singers, and are tour- 
ing the South in a company of their own. Among 
the prominent artists is Herman Rountree, who owns 
a home near the city of New York and has a summer 
recreation camp in Rhode Island, and who is consid- 
ered an adept in his art. Then there is Jamie Dulin, 
an artist, a winner in his art, and also the winner of 
a home, and a wife who is a helper in his art; Rennie 
Ingram, another artist, who has won by his art a 
home in Kansas City, and Arthur Schwieder, now in 
New York City, all growing artists, and making for 
themselves a name because they tried and won. I 
also claim Miss Telia Turner, a prominent musician, 
who, though not a regular pupil, was intimately asso- 
ciated as a dear little visitor when all her brothers 
and sisters attended my school. No more worthy or 
noble pupil ever attended my school than Mr. Orville 
Coble, recently elected president of the Springfield 
Christian Endeavor Union. 

"For it is the patient holding out 
That makes the winner win." 

I received not long ago a card containing the pic- 
ture of a wonderful castle, the home of Madam Calve, 
which I prize; but still more do I prize the giver of 
the picture, who was a student of the owner of the 
castle. On the back of the picture she penned this 
much appreciated tribute: "To Mrs. Colby, my first 
and dearest teacher, always a friend of our family. 
Edna Haseltine." 



20 Reminiscences 



A Tribute of Love 

We, the former pupils of Mrs. Colby, take great 
pleasure in paying her our tribute. 

We loved her as children and our love has grown 
stronger as the years pass by. 

Our earnest wish is that she may live many years 
to continue in the many lines of reform which she so 
earnestly advocates and so persistently labors for. 

Miss Tella Turner, 
and "the two Jessies," 
Mrs. Jessie Corbett, 
Mrs. Jessie Johnson. 

Here is a little tribute from one of our W. C. T. U. 
poets, on the occasion of a reception of the members 
at the suburban home of Mrs. Martha Risser: 

"Here is our own Julia Colby who does things by rule: 

From feeding the birds to teaching her school; 

She still has ambitions to carve a great name 

For herself and her children up the ladder of fame." 

Mrs. Ellen Bronson. 



Pensions for Teachers 

A plea is made for higher salaries for teachers, 
whose duty it is to train future citizens for our coun- 
try. A prominent writer says: 

1 'Are the schools going to come to their senses, 
and provide a living wage for the army of underpaid 
educators, whose all-important task it is to train and 
develop the country's future citizens? Cannot the 
public be educated to pay at least as much to those 
who mould their children's lives as they pay to those 
who paint their houses, or are they going to starve 
their teachers out, and make them objects of charity 
in the next few years?" 



Reminiscences 21 



Apropos to the above is the question, Why are 
not aged teachers paid a pension? What class of 
workers in all the professions of life are more entitled 
to a pension than a teacher? What is the purpose of 
a conscientious teacher's work? Is it not to build char- 
acter, and to make of the growing generation honora- 
ble and useful citizens? 

Why are soldiers in the army paid pensions, who 
serve but a few years' time, and whose very occupa- 
tion is to tear down and destroy both life and prop- 
erty, the almost universal result to the perpetrators 
being a demoralizing and hardening of the finer feel- 
ings; and yet the soldier gets a pension and the shoul- 
der straps, as well as the other trappings of honor. 

Honor for what? for the greatest number of lives 
he can sacrifice and the greatest amount of property 
he can destroy? In almost all great conflicts is not the 
prime motive aggrandizement? 

A prominent writer says: "The greed of several 
nations to increase their holdings or territory is the 
real cause of most wars." 

How like big boys at play is their unholy calling 
exemplified! "If you will come on my side, I will 
give you a big red apple." 

The teacher serves for a life time without pension, 
and often dies in poverty at the end of a useful life. 

In one State of our Union a bill has been intro- 
duced to pension aged base ball players. 

Are all the good, bad and indifferent to be more 
honored, better paid, more appreciated and, finally, 
more generously pensioned than the conscientious and 
faithful teacher whose sole aim is to build character, 
and whose greatest victory she claims for the army 
entrusted to her care, is the highest number of lives 
she can influence for good? 

We want to know. J. A. H. Colby. 



22 Reminiscences 



The Old Lebanon Academy 

Passing of One of Lebanon's Ancient Landmarks. The Scene 

of Happy Days of Old-time Lebanon Boys and Girls 

Now Scattered the World Over 

One of the well known old students is Mrs. Julia 
A. Hovey-Colby who now, at the age of 78 years, con- 
ducts a private school at her home in Springfield. 
Mrs. Colby is one of Missouri's pioneer teachers, hav- 
ing been associated with schools in Buffalo, Lebanon, 
Marshfield and other points in the State, and her 
varied experiences and charming personality, com- 
bined with her keen interest in the world and its 
activities, make her a most delightful woman at the 
age when the average individual is losing touch with 
life. 

In 1900 and 1902 she went abroad and, following 
her return from her first trip, she built a home mod- 
eled after the Swiss chalet, on South Grant Street, 
Springfield. 

In a reminiscent vein, Mrs. Colby writes as fol- 
lows of the old academy: 

"A short time ago, a Laclede County friend sent 
me a photograph of the old Lebanon Academy, and 
oh! what memories of delightful school days came 
thronging into my mind of the time when, as a girl 
of 18 and 20, I was a student at that memorable old 
building. 

"But where are all the boys and girls of those 
happy days? The angel of death has claimed many, 
while the ones who are left are old 'boys' and 'girls' 
now, and located far from each other. Some are in 
California, near the grand old Pacific Ocean, while 
others enjoy the cool breezes of the Atlantic. 

"When the roll is called not many are left to 
answer to their names. There were the Lumpkin 



Reminiscences 23 



brothers, one of whom has 'crossed the river;' the 
Hookers, the Holmans, one the wife of Dr. McComb, 
the other 'passed over;' Sue Lennox, who now claims 
California as her home; the Wishon brothers, the 
Givens brothers, the Appling brothers, Dr. T. Hodge 
Jones, recently deceased; 'Sis' Saunders and Nancy 
Jane McPhail, who married one of our esteemed 
teachers, Isaac Vernon. The ceremony was performed 
on the stage at the close of the exhibition, only a few 
who were in the secret realizing that it was a real 
ceremony. I have recalled only a few of the old 
students, for there were many more, whose names I 
have forgotten. 

"After the lessons of the day were over, how we 
all enjoyed getting out in the clear, starry nights and 
tracing the constellations in the heavens with our in- 
teresting and enthusiastic teacher, Mr. Simeon W. 
Phillips; and our weekly debating societies, and that 
never-to-be-forgotten and most important little school 
paper, with the funny puns on the students' names. 

"One of the happiest memories of my recent 
years was the reunion of about twenty of the 'boys' 
and 'girls' of those happy days at Lebanon on my 
seventieth birthday (July 4). We met at the hospita- 
ble home of Dr. and Mrs. James McComb and, sitting 
out in their pleasant yard, under their lovely trees, 
exchanged reminiscenses of the old-time school days, 
after which we took a drive over to the old academy, 
which was gaily decorated with flags for the occasion. 

One prominent member of our number who lived 
in California, S. W. Burk, since passed away, could 
not be prevailed upon to meet with us because, he 
said, he would rather remember us all as we used to 
look in our school days, and not as he supposed we all 
would be now, — white haired and stoop shouldered; 
in fact, old and decrepit. But he might have been 



24 Reminiscences 



happily disappointed had he joined our number and 
met with a happy, sprightly set of 'boys' and 'girls.' 

Here 's to the 'boys' and 'girls' of the old school days; 

If they wish to be happy they '11 find it pays 

To look for the clouds with the silver lining, 

And with hope and love and joy combining, 

Pass peacefully down the incline of life, 

Leaving behind them all shadows and strife. 

"Remembering that 'Death is but a kind and 
welcome servant who opes with noiseless hand Life's 
flower-encircled door to show us those we love.' 

Julia A. Hovey-Colby. 

"Let a Little Sunshine In" 

There are so many sweet things in life, so many 
beautiful acts of kindness unheralded before the 
world, the mere mention of which cheers and glad- 
dens the heart. Why should we not take pains to tell 
more of the good and less of the bad side of life, radi- 
ate more sunshine and darken less with clouds? 

I heard a happy little boy singing at his play a 
few days ago, "Oh! I will be a sunbeam, at home, at 
school, at play," and he seemed so perfectly happy 
and joyous that it made me happy to listen to him. 
If each would resolve to make himself a sumbeam, 
what a bright and happy world this would be, and if 
less of the black side of life and more of the bright 
side were published broadcast, there would be much 
less of crime and wrong perpetrated. When good 
deeds are done why not publish them that we may 
know the world is not all bad? Good deeds are occur- 
ring every day among us, why not ferret them out 
with the same zeal that we do the evil and scandalous? 

An incident occurred here a few months ago, 
related by a member of a "Sunshine Society," that is 



Reminiscences 25 



worthy of a place in the records of the heroes, con- 
cerning a friendless little boy and how he was helped. 
He was ragged, cold, hungry and homeless, but asked 
for work to get money to buy food and clothes. 
Fortunately the little fellow went to the right ones, 
for two young men in a clothing store bought him a 
suit of clothes, gave him a good square meal, then 
purchased a ticket, placed him on a train and sent 
him to a good home, sending word ahead that he was 
coming. He was met by relatives of these kind 
hearted young men, given a good home and made 
happy. 

A little boy wishing to make his teacher happy, 
was seen a few days ago lugging a pumpkin as large 
as he could well carry, and said: "I brought this to 
you for Thanksgiving. It grew on the vines in my 
own little garden and I have more of them. I took 
care of them myself." His little eyes were sparkling 
with pleasure at the thought of the kind act, and it is 
needless to say his teacher was equally pleased, ate 
her delicious pumpkin pie Thanksgiving Day, and 
thought of the giver, kind little Johnny Thorns, when 
she ate it. 

A kind gentleman and lady here in our midst pick 
up little waifs throughout the country, feed them, 
clothe them, and get good homes for them, having 
sometimes as many as ten or twelve children to care 
for before they are sent out to new homes. And they 
are not wealthy people, except the wealth of love and 
sympathy which they possess for all creatures, human 
and dumb. And these are not all; many are doing 
such kind deeds daily and making the world better 
and brighter for their presence in it. 

If we can not do all these good deeds that others 
do, we can at least wear pleasant and happy faces 
and speak kind words, for they cost nothing and 



26 Reminiscences 



bring happiness and success in life to those who thus 
radiate sunshine. James Whitcomb Riley says: 

The inner side of every cloud 

Is bright and shining; 
And so I turn my clouds about 
And always wear them inside out 

To show the lining. 

J. A. H. Colby. 



"What Would You Do with a Million 
Dollars?" 

A prize of a ten dollar gold piece was offered for 
the best short answer to the above question. Below is 
the answer given by the author of this booklet: 

"I would use the money to help form a 'model 
city' after the manner of Rev. R. J. Floody of Worces- 
ter, Massachusetts, who transformed a class of 800 
degenerates into models of propriety. Bought a 
dumping ground of two acres, divided it into lots, 
10x20, gave each child a lot all his own, raised vege- 
tables and flowers, appointed a mayor and ther offi- 
cers amonst them, gave prizes for best gardens and 
best conduct, transformed the locality from poverty 
and intemperance to thrift and sobriety. Gave child- 
ren pets to care for and eliminated cruelty. Now a 
beauty spot with a high record of health. 

"Mrs. Julia A. Colby." 



Extract from a letter from a St. Louis teacher: 
Dear Mrs. Colby: 

I enjoyed the write up of your million dollar 
Utopian dream, as did others in the house to whom I 
showed it. All agree with me in the consensus that 
the idea expressed would have been realizations had 



Reminiscences 27 



the million dollars really fallen to you. I know of no 
one who more earnestly strives to lighten the burdens 
and cares of others than you, should Dame Fortune 
bestow a gift to you who so richly deserve it. 
I am yours affectionately, 
S. Ella Hughes. 



Rienzi's Address to the Romans — a 
Parody 

Arranged and recited at a W. C. T. U. matron's 
contest by J. A. H. Colby, for which she received a 
silver medal. 

I come not here to talk. You know too well the 
story of our thralldom. We are W. C. T. U.S. The 
bright sun rises to his course and lights a race of 
W. C. T. U.S. He sets and his last beams fall on a 
W. C. T. U. Not such as swept along by the full tide 
of power the conqueror led to crimson glory and undy- 
ing fame, but brave, faithful, persevering W. C. T. U.S. 
W. C. T. U.s to a class of our "Lords of Creation" 
who deny to us the right to place a little slip of paper 
in the ballot box, then proudly march to the polls and 
vote to perpetuate the greatest blight that ever 
cursed a nation. These potentates they kneel to, rich 
in the homes they have devastated, strong in the 
power they wield; only great in that strange spell — a 
name— "The Rum Power!" 

Each hour dark fraud or open rapine or protected 
murder cry out against them. But this very day, an 
honest man, my neighbor — there he stands — was 
struck — struck like a dog, by one who wore the badge 
of Bacchus, because, forsooth, he dared to lift his voice 
in brave protest against this iniquitous business. 

Be we women and suffer such dishonor? Women 



28 Reminiscences 



and wash not the stain away in Universal Suffrage 
and National Prohibition? 

Such shames are common. I have known deeper 
wrongs. I that speak to ye, I had a brother once — a 
gracious boy, full of gentleness, of calmest hope, of 
sweet and quiet joy; there was the look of heaven 
upon his face which limners give to the beloved disci- 
ple. How I loved that gracious boy ! Younger by fifteen 
years, brother at once and son. He left my side a 
summer bloom on his fair cheek, a smile parting 
his innocent lips. In one short hour that pretty harm- 
less boy was slain! Slain by the foe that forced the 
poison through his innocent lips! I saw his lifeless 
form and then I cried in anguish, Rouse ye my 
Countrymen! Rouse ye Christians! Have ye brave 
sons? Look in the next fierce brawl to see them die! 
Have ye brave daughters? Look to see them live, 
torn from your arms, disdained, dishonored, and if ye 
dare call for justice, be answered by ridicule and scorn! 

Yet this is Rum that sits upon his throne of 
power that 's built from sea to sea and rules our 
country. 

Yet we are Americans! Why in that elder day to 
be an American was greater than a king! 

And once again — hear me ye walls that echo to 
the tread of the W. C. T. U. who wear upon their 
hearts the white badge of purity and freedom; once 
again I say our glorious and beautiful country shall be 
free from The Rum Power! ! 



No Time 

This life is like a drama, but too real for enjoyment. 
When the thoughtless and the schemer play in selfish 
greed employment; 



Reminiscences 29 



For they thus miss in the drama all of life's real solid 

pleasures, 
In their futile rash attempt to amass earth's sordid 

treasures. 

In their mad hustle through this life to pile the 
shekels higher, 

They push aside all nobler things, for these they 've 
no desire, 

No time to greet the loved at home, who for his com- 
ing wait, 

No time kind words to speak to them, if early or if 
late. 

No time to plan for their girls and boys amusements 

for the home, 
So far from home the children go, in other haunts to 

roam, 
Where alluring temptations soon lead them astray, 
And down the social plane of wrong they are gliding 

on their way. 

No time, no time to tell the boys the things they 

ought to know; 
No time to warn the daughters of the pitfalls where 

they go; 
So both go wrong, not being taught, and learn through 

vicious sources 
What parents should have taught at home in timely, 

friendly courses. 

No time to teach the growing child that courtesy is 

noble; 
That rudeness or discourtesy is clownish or ignoble; 
That gentleness and kindness to all God s humble 

creatures 



30 Reminiscences 



Will place the ones who practice such among the best 
of teachers. 

In traveling or in business life, when seeking infor- 
mation 

Among officials at their posts, there 's need for 
reformation; 

For they 've no time and cut you short (unless you 've 
"got the tin.") 

They fail to fully realize that courtesy will win. 

No time as through this life we go, to give a friendly 

greeting 
To all sojourners on the way with whom we may be 

meeting. 
No time to wear a pleasant smile that drives all 

clouds away, 
And throws a gleam of sunshine and radiance on our 
way. 

No time to help a stranger when in trouble or distress, 

When far away from home and friends, and none to 
give caress. 

No time to lift the fallen up and free them from 
temptation, 

And give them courage to reform instead of condem- 
nation. 

No time the schools to visit, to see how the children 

progress, 
So what they have learned or what they have gained 

is only a matter of guess. 
They fail to consult with the teachers in a kind and 

friendly way, 
And so keep in touch with each other and the children 

day by day. 



Reminiscences 31 



No time to teach the children the cruelty of killing-, 
To teach them Christ's sweet lesson, their plastic 

minds instilling, 
For "Blessed are the merciful" is a lesson we should 

teach, 
If we the roots of kindness and love for all would 

reach. 

The stock on the farm must be blooded and pure, 
That the price in the market may be steady and sure; 
But the rarest of all treasures that God to man has 

given, 
Sent for a joy and blessing, to be trained for earth 

and heaven, 

Are given but scanty thought for a future noble life, 
But enter unprepared in this world of pain and strife, 
No time is given for higher thoughts, or a better 

generation, 
As life is filled with worldly thoughts that lead to 

enervation. 

No time to watch the children, so the children run 

the street, 
And soon they imitate the manners of neglected ones 

they meet. 
Said a mother to her doting son, "I have no time for 

you; 
Don't hang to mamma's apron strings, so run away, 

now do." 

His pride was touched, he went his way and plunged 

in worldly pleasures, 
Forgot his home and mother, too, and all his former 

treasures; 
And soon is found behind the bars, confined for life 

in prison, 



32 Reminiscences 



And his sad mother finds too late the cause of his 
decision. 

Another thoughtless mother sent her little boy adrift 
By bribing him with money, that he for himself might 

shift; 
And the same fate overtook him, as one might well 

suppose, 
For he landed in the prison and is wearing striped 

clothes. 

Our busy legislators and makers of the laws, 

Who sit in state at Washington to mend the nation's 

flaws, 
And wrangle over minor things to satisfy minority, 
While greater things, and grander things are needed 

by majority, 

Have dallied in their duties in decades that are past, 
Till an octopus of mighty power holds the nation in 

its grasp, 
And they 've no time or inclination this monster 

power to throttle, 
Which threatens our engulf men t in this sin accursed 

bottle. 

No time, no time, no time, no time in this busy world 

of ours, 
To worship God in nature, the sunshine and the 

flowers; 
To listen to the happy birds that sing their songs so 

sweetly, 
For if attuned to Nature's songs, they fill our lives 

completely. 

No time to watch the fleecy clouds that float in azure 
arches, 



Reminiscences 



Which fancy sees in many shapes, queer figures in 

their marches. 
No time to watch the stars by night, the glory of the 

sky, 
And think how grand the universe, as we gaze from 

earth on high. 

No time to rest beneath the trees, those lovely homes 

for birds, 
A shelter from the burning sun for man, for beast, 

for herds, 
And think while resting from our toil of the blessings 

we enjoy, 
And thank the Giver of all good while thus our 

thoughts employ. 

No time to pet our animals, or show a kindly mind 
When they to us so faithful are if we to them are kind. 
For love for them and love for all will raise our souls 

still higher, 
Till we for good and noble deeds will evermore aspire. 

No time to listen to the strains of music everywhere; 
The music of the running brook, the birds that cleave 

the air; 
The rustle of the verdant leaves which crown the 

stately trees, 
That quiver on their slender stems, fanned lay the 

gentle breeze. 

No time to gaze on pictures fair which Nature's hand 

has painted, 
With which to make this life a joy we should be well 

acquainted ; 
The flowers so bright, the sea so grand, the rivers to 

them passing; 



34 Reminiscences 



The azure sky, the mountains high, all art on earth 
surpassing. 

No time, no time, say you for these, grand themes 

for higher living, 
For greatest joys of earth we find in kindly generous 

giving, 
For love, kind acts and noble deeds, will make of earth 

an Eden, 
And the "Golden Rule," if lived aright, will need no 

man made creed in. 

Julia A. H. Colby. 



Protect Your Fruit Trees 

The best protection for fruit trees are the birds. 
Encourage them to come about your premises by 
feeding and watering them. I have a few fruit trees 
on my little home lot and those who use my fruit tell 
me that it is more free from worms than any other 
they get, and attribute it to my care of the birds. 

I have posts about five feet high on the top of 
which are platforms about two feet square, and on 
these platforms are shallow crocks filled daily with 
fresh water for the birds to drink and bathe in. 

I have four of these bathing places arranged in 
different places in my yard, and it is a great pleasure 
to me to watch them bathe. There are so many vari- 
eties of these dear little feathered friends that a lady 
caller, and a great lover of birds, said to me: "Mrs. 
Colby, you are certainly blessed with a great number 
and variety of birds." 

They serve as protectors of fruit by destroying 
the insects that infest the trees, besides being a 
source of great pleasure and company. 



Reminiscences 35 



During my sessions of school they serve as a 
beautiful object lesson for the pupils, and if a pupil is 
inclined to be cruel who enters my school and boasts, 
as one boy did, that he "liked to kill birds," it is not 
long before he, too, becomes interested in our little 
feathered friends and, like the rest of the kind- 
hearted pupils, likes to watch them bathe and listen 
to their sweet songs. 

If people could realize more fully that the birds 
are our true friends there would be less killing for 
sport of these harmless creatures. How any one with 
the least spark of kindness in his make-up can think 
it sport to kill the beautiful birds is more than I can 
understand. How necessary that these lessons of 
kindness should be taught in the school room, in the 
Sunday School, from the pulpit, and to the infants, 
even, at the mother's knee, for these sweet lessons, 
imbibed when young, broaden and beautify the char- 
acters of those so taught. "Blessed are the merciful, 
for they shall obtain mercy." 

Julia A. H. Colby. 



A Cosy Picture 

( Dedicated to my friend, Mrs. Demuth. ) 

When night has drawn her curtains and the stars are 

in the sky, 
I see a cosy picture each night as I pass by, 
Where a room with light is flooded and the curtains 

drawn aside. 
Where happiness and peace with the inmates there 

abide. 

Two chairs are by a table, a brilliant light between, 
And there a happy couple each evening may be seen, 



36 Reminiscences 



And from an ample bookcase containing treasures rare, 
They are reading to each other, that their knowledge 
both may share. 

The picture is so pleasing that I loiter on the way, 
And wish, and wish that every home such pictures 

would display, 
And make of home the sunshine that homes should 

always be, 
Where love and peace and wisdom, and happiness we 

see. 

But now I miss the picture, the cheerful light has 

gone, 
And on the broad front windows the curtains down 

are drawn. 
No more on this terrestrial sphere this picture we 

shall see, 
But in the upper mansions more beautiful 't will be. 

For there they '11 be united, when the picture '11 be 

complete, 
And the loved ones gone before they will joyfully 

both meet, 
And though 't is sad and lonely for the home one that 

is left, 
From her dearly loved companion now to be bereft. 

Still she's taken up life's burdens with a brave, cour- 
ageous heart, 

And knows that though from earth life from loved 
ones we must part, 

They 're watching o'er us while we 're here and 
waiting for us there 

In grander homes celestial which with them we all 

will share. 

Julia A. H. Colby. 



Reminiscences 37 



Little Orphans of Belgium 

There 's a land across the sea 

That was once so dear to me, 
Where the people loved each other without fear. 

We were happy as could be 

In our cottage by the sea, 
With our papa and our mamma both so dear. 

But there came to our dear land 

A very unkind, warlike band, 
Who ruined our homes and our churches, too; 

And who laid our people low, 

Which so filled our hearts with woe, 
That our people sad and fearful grew. 

In this fearful, fearful strife 

Our dear papa lost his life, 
And we lost our darling mamma, too; 

For the sadnes of it all 

Fell upon her like a pall, 
And she daily weak and weaker grew. 

What at dreadful, dreadful cost, 
All our homes and people lost, 
And why, oh why should all this be so? 

Oh! may the dear God above 
Yet fill their hearts all with love, 
Till peace, sweet peace o'er all the world shall flow. 
Chorus. 
papa, dear mamma, 
We miss you so; 
For we have no home 
And we 're all alone — 
Little orphans of Belgium. 

Composed by Mrs. Julia A. H. Colby and sung to 
the tune of Lillie Dale by four little girls at the clos- 
ing exercises of her private school, May 21. 



38 Reminiscences 



In the Clouds 

An Interesting Paper by a School Teacher 

(The Springfield Republican, March 22, 1901. ) 

One beautiful day in the last week of February, 
as I glanced out of the window of my school room, I 
thought, oh, how beautiful are the clouds! Piled up 
in massive grandeur like fleecy snow on the mountain 
tops were these beautiful clouds that sunny afternoon. 

As I like to cultivate in the hearts of my pupils a 
love for the beautiful in nature, I turned to say to 
them, "Don't forget to look at the clouds when you 
leave the room for recess," but after attending to 
their many little wants the thought slipped from my 
mind. But their bright eyes needed no reminder, for 
soon they rushed into the room excitedly exclaiming: 
Miss Colby, come out and see these lovely clouds! 
Up there (pointing in the direction) is Noah's ark, 
and all the animals coming out of it; and there is 
Jesus blessing little children; and Santa Claus with 
his sleigh and reindeer, and lots of things in it for 
the children, and there — now it 's tipped over and all 
the things are spilling out; and there is Hiawatha in 
his canoe; and there is a hunter chasing a bear; and 
oh, there is a volcano with the smoke coming out, and 
the great big ocean with the waves rolling up! And 
there is a little girl holding a bird on her hand; and 
there is the boat Alabama that my papa sailed in; and 
there 's a great big white polar bear, and an elephant, 
and some dogs chasing each other.' ' 

All these and more they saw, or imagined they 
saw, as their eyes glanced from one bright, fleecy 
cloud to another, while they fairly tiptoed in the 
ecstacy of their delight. 

"Oh!" said they, "let 's not go in; let 's stay out 
here all the afternoon and watch the clouds." 



Reminiscences 39 



I confess it was a great temptation, for it was 
better than a picnic to watch their little eager faces 
and to follow the wonderful play of their imagina- 
tions, but we all reluctantly left the beautiful clouds 
to change and shift their positions into other wonder- 
ful creations and returned to our room to finish the 
story of Audubon, that great and good man who was 
such a lover of nature, and who gave us the most 
perfect and complete history of birds that was ever 
written, and with the most beautiful and perfect 
illustrations of them. * * * * 

As spring advances and the dear little songsters 
return again to visit us, our school room door is fre- 
quently opened that the pupils may listen, and more 
readily hear the sweet song of the robin, the blue 
bird and the wren, for their delightful songs are more 
sweet to the true lover of nature than the finest 
opera. Oh, how can anyone take pleasure in hushing 
their sweet songs with their murderous guns! 

We have a pet in our school room and we do not 
see that it detracts from the dignity of our school, or 
from the children's interest in their studies in the 
least, but we feel that the more they become inter- 
ested in all that pertains to nature and especially in 
their interest for and kindness to dumb animals, the 
better they will be. If we would all read and study 
more in God's wonderful book of nature, and learn 
the wisdom and goodness therein contained and apply 
them in our daily life, not only in enriching our own 
lives but in helping each other, we should all be the 
better, the kinder, the purer and the happier for it. 

I received not long since a gift in the shape of a 
little book which, to me, is worth its weight in gold, 
and which I wish every one could read, for I feel that 
all would be greatly benefited by its teaching. It is 
entitled "Every Living Creature," a prize essay by 



40 Reminiscences 



Ralph Waldo Trine, a writer whose popularity is rap- 
idly increasing. This valuable little book is to the 
adult what "Black Beauty" is to the child. 

J. A. H. Colby. 



A Sane Fourth 

Three cheers! three cheers! for those we say 
Who a saner Fourth suggested, 

For from the loud, ear-splitting din 
We gladly would be rested. 

Too few patriots in the past, 

Not many could we muster, 
For what they lacked in patriotism 

Was made up in noise and bluster. 

But senseless noise and murderous guns 

To the past are relegated, 
And patriotism once more reigns, 

Which long has been belated. 

And now we '11 have a saner fourth, 

With lots of flags and bunting, 
And for the slain and wounded ones 

No more we will be hunting. 

The flags will fly, the bells will ring, 
And the eagle scream its loudest, 

And of all the nations of the earth, 
Our nation is the proudest. 

So wave our banners, wave them high, 
And clang the sweet-toned bell, 

For 't is the birthday of our nation, 
And the writer's day as well. 

Julia A. H. Colby. 



Reminiscences 40a 



A Trip to Europe 

May 24, 1900, was the date of my departure from 
Springfield, Missouri; August 24, of my arrival home; 
June 2, for ocean voyage going; August 2, voyage 
returning; June 13, landing from steamer in Holland; 
August 13, landing from steamer in Philadelphia. 
Strangely corresponding dates, you will observe, but 
purely incidental. 

I had a delightful trip to Boston, passing through 
eight states enroute. Apple blossoms and lilacs were 
beautifully blooming, while with us they were long 
since gone. Crossed Niagara River near Niagara 
Falls; passed through Hoosac tunnel in Massachusetts, 
five miles in length, requiring eight or ten minutes to 
pass through; and reached beautiful, quaint, historical 
Boston on the evening of the 26th. 

Many historical places of interest were visited 
while there, the most interesting of which to me was 
the home of our poet, Longfellow. I went from 
Boston to Albany, New York, from which place I 
sailed to the City of New York on the majestic Hud- 
son River. I visited with a friend, while in the city, 
the haunts and resting place of Washington Irving, 
at Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and vicinity, a delight- 
ful and interesting place to visit. 

Then came the morning of final departure from 
my native land. A strangely sad feeling came over 
me, to feel myself wafted away over the waves of the 
deep, blue sea, and to behold my beloved land gradu- 
ally disappearing from view, and still later to see it no 
more for many days; but the sea was unusually calm, 
with the exception of two days in mid-ocean, when 
the waves rolled up to the height of fifteen or twenty 
feet, causing our steamer to roll and pitch to such an 
extent that several passengers, with all their care, 



40b Reminiscences 



were thrown to the floor, some of whom were consid- 
erably injured. I lost my balance once, and was 
caught by one of the stewards in my spinning flight 
just in time to prevent my being whirled through an 
open door against an outside railing. 

Our table during these days presented a novel 
appearance, with its checkered rack, or frame work, 
arranged in little pens to prevent the queensware and 
food from tumbling off. 

We were about two days in a dense fog, some- 
thing more dreaded by seamen than a storm; during 
which time the foghorn kept up an almost incessant 
whistle. 

Our steamer, the Potsdam, was first class in all 
its departments, even in its table d'hote six o'clock 
dinners, with the score or less of courses, and accom- 
panying music by a fine band. 

Wrapped in our warm cloaks and steamer rugs, 
stretched out on our steamer chairs, inhaling the pure 
air of the ocean, and reading an interesting book, 
was an enjoyable way to pass the mid-summer days; 
and particularly on our return trip in the month of 
August, had the sea not been so rough during the first 
part of our voyage. I suffered on this, my first voy- 
age, but little from sea-sickness; but on my return, 
perhaps in sympathy with all the other passengers, 
many of whom had not been sick before, I was quite 
sick for a day or two; and little wonder, for our first 
greeting was a severe storm, something very unusual, 
we were told, for that time of the year; and just as 
we were fairly recovering from the effects of the first 
storm, we were again visited by another equally as 
severe, the following Sunday, and fourth day out. 

After a voyage of ten days we were glad to see 
land again, which was in the southern part of Eng- 
land as we were entering the English channel about 



Reminiscences 40c 



daylight on the morning of the 13th of June. The 
Channel being smoother on that day than usual, the 
passage was a pleasant one and we were in sight of 
land all day, reaching Rotterdam, Holland, about five 
o'clock in the afternoon, with the flags of both coun- 
tries flying, and the band playing its liveliest airs as we 
entered port. It was interesting to watch the people 
of this, to me, new country as they flocked to the 
landing to meet their friends, and to hear the little 
boys and girls clattering along on the stony pavements 
in their funny little wooden shoes. 

Glad were we to reach terra firma once more, and 
still more pleased was I to meet on landing our guide, 
a tall, dignified looking young man, waiting to con- 
duct us on our tour from place to place. 

Our party was small, only four in number, and 
our advantages for sight seeing, therefore, corres- 
pondingly greater; and no one, I think, ever had a 
better guide than we; so obliging, conscientious, and 
thoughtful for our welfare; and a more congenial 
party of four, in manners, habits, etc., seldom toured 
through Europe. 

The quaint little country of Holland so too well 
known with her immense wind mills, her net work of 
canals for irrigation and transportation, and her plain, 
honest, kind people, to need any special description. 

We passed through her capital city, The Hague, 
and stopped a day or two at Amsterdam, once called 
"The Venice of the North," where skating is the 
principal method of travel in the winter, and where 
they teach their children when very young to swim in 
the summer time. We walked through the streets at 
night with the natives who walk mostly in the middle 
of the street after nightfall (but their streets are 
cleaner than our sidewalks); watched the people, 
their dress, customs, etc., and were in turn stared at, 



40d Reminiscences 



for we were soon recognized by them as people from 
some other land. 

Our next stopping place was Cologne, Germany. 
Its noted cathedral was the first object to attract our 
attention. Our guide told us it was the only object of 
any special interest in the city. It is indeed a won- 
derfully magnificent and massive structure, and is 
said to be the grandest church of the Gothic type of 
architecture in the world. When I looked at this 
massive building, and dozens of others visited in my 
rounds, and realized the vast amount of money and 
time required to erect them, costing so many millions, 
and requiring hundreds of years to complete, I could 
not banish the thought from my mind that if over 
half the amount and labor were expended to better 
the condition of humanity in other directions, educa- 
tionally, etc., what a vastly greater blessing it would 
be. We know "the groves were God's first temples;" 
he did not need such artificial magnificence, nor do we. 

From Cologne, or near Cologne, we took a steam- 
er for a trip on the far famed Rhine River. Its won- 
derful ruined castles and charming scenery surpassed 
anything I had ever seen. (I had not seen Switzer- 
land yet.) 

We passed the "Vine clad hills of Bingen, fair 
Bingen on the Rhine," the interesting town made 
famous by the sweet little poem of Caroline Norton, 
"Bingen on the Rhine." Near Bingen is the "Mouse 
Tower," situated on an island which is also made 
famous because of the legend which tells us that dur- 
ing a famine in the tenth century one Bishop Hatto 
stored away a great amount of grain in the tower, 
and when the starving people asked him for food he 
heartlessly told them to go and eat rats and mice. It 
is said he was shortly after attacked by these little 
pests, and fled to this tower for protection, but was 



Reminiscences 40e 



followed and eaten alive by them as if for punish- 
ment for his cruelty. These hills of the Rhine are 
truly ' 'vine clad hills, ' ' for on most of them from base 
to summit, are grown the highly cultivated grapes, 
from which are manufactured the famous Rhine 
wines. 

The Rhine River is not so large and fine a river 
as our own lovely Hudson, and the natural scenery no 
grander; but those grand old historic castles which 
cap the summit of its loftiest hills, make this wonder- 
ful stream one of ever increasing interest and beauty. 

After leaving the Rhine, we went direct to Heid- 
elburg. the chief attraction of which is the castle con- 
structed in 1601-1609, and said to be one of the largest 
and most interesting in the world. 

In sailing up the Rhine I had wished that I might, 
like a bird, fly into these most wonderful castles, 
perched up so high as to seem almost inaccessible, and 
search out some of their profound mysteries, and now 
I was to have my wishes realized — I was to explore 
a veritable castle, and a larger and grander one than 
any we had passed on the Rhine. Blessed privilege! 
and how I did enjoy it! What massive ruins of a once 
magnificent structure. An immense wine cask, said 
to hold fifty thousand gallons, fills one large room. It 
is called the "Heidelburg Tun." Mounting the long, 
winding stairway, and reaching the top of the great 
tower, one has a lovely view of the city. Workmen 
were reconstructing parts of the old castle that were 
crumbling with age, in the same style as the old 
structure. I reluctantly left this interesting place, 
where I should have been pleased to spend days 
instead of hours rambling among its ruins. 

We left Heidelburg for Lucerne in Switzerland. 
Beautiful, wonderful, charming Switzerland! 

I have thought and dreamed of this enchanting 



40f Reminiscences 



country from childhood, till my eyes now feasted on 
its loveliness. I had feared the reality of its beauty 
would not equal my exalted anticipations and dreams 
of it, but the Swiss scenery is, indeed, all I had imag- 
ined it to be, and more, with its mountain tops bathed 
in the clouds, or capped with perpetual snow, their 
lovely slopes dotted with pretty little Swiss cottages, 
beautiful clear lakes and streams, and most wonder- 
fully lovely waterfalls, some of which come down 
from the mountain heights in the form of sparkling 
showers of rain, one, if I remember correctly, being 
called "The Bridal Veil Falls," a truly appropriate 
name for it. (In consulting my Pictorial Switzerland, 
I find it is called in German "Staubbach Falls," mean- 
ing "water dust." 

So charmed was I with our first stopping place in 
Switzerland, Lucerne, on Lake Lucerne, that I told 
my guide he might go on with the rest of the party; 
that I thought I should remain there. I was loath to 
leave it, but there were other charming places to 
visit, so we left by steamer on Lake Lucerne, thence 
by rail and other lakes in turn till we reached Inter- 
laken. Our hotel was at the foot of a mountain, and 
we were just settled in our new and beautiful retreat, 
seated on the veranda in one of the loveliest spots on 
earth, taking in all its beauties, when our guide 
missed some of our party and commenced a search 
for them. We shortly heard a familiar laugh, followed 
by a shout, and looking up, half way us the mountain 
side, looking down on us and frantically waving their 
hats, were the venturesome missing ones of our party. 

Starting early the next morning, we were to 
take in and enjoy what our guide told us would be 
the cream of all our pleasures in this beautiful coun- 
try, for we were to climb one of the snow-clad moun- 
tains of the Alps, the Eiger by name, in the proxim- 



Reminiscences 40g 



ity of the noted Jungfrau. Provided with lunch and 
wraps we boarded the train that took us through one 
of the loveliest valleys imaginable. We then changed 
cars for the odd looking little cogwheel train, and 
commenced our ascent up the mountain heights. 
I feel that I have lost my vocabulary of adjectives in 
trying to give a description of this wonderful trip. To 
say that it was wonderfully, frightfully, and magnifi- 
cently grand is the most and the best I can say of it; 
and to say that at times our route lay at an angle of 
forty-five degrees would not, I think, be an exaggera- 
tion. My entire trip was well worth this one day's 
experience. We left the train a few miles from the 
top, or landing place, for the novelty of a walk with 
our "Alpine stocks," or long canes, which we pro- 
cured at a souvenir store near by. Then we had the 
fun of a few hours continual climb till we reached the 
region of perpetual snow, glaciers, and the ice grotto, 
a walk cut into the solid ice. We gathered flowers 
on our return, some of which were very pretty. The 
sweet, blue-eyed forget-me-nots grow wild in great 
profusion farther down the mountain side. I had 
hoped to find the white and downy little eidelweiss, 
which blooms in the snow, but had to content myself 
with a pressed one purchassed at a souvenir store. 
Returning by another route through the valley, we 
stopped for a few hours at the most delightful and 
interesting little town of Grindelwald, where we 
visited for a short time a Swiss school and a Swiss 
family living near; some of our party going a few 
miles farther and visiting another noted glacier in the 
vicinity. 

We returned to our hotel tired, but enthused 
with the remembrance of our delightful trip, and 
arose the next morning at four o'clock to be ready to 
start for Geneva, situated on Lake Geneva. On our 



40h Reminiscences 



way we stopped for a few hours at Berne, the capital 
city, with its many old time buildings, numerous 
bears, both living and carved, as well as embroidered 
— ornaments of bears everywhere; wonderful old 
clock containing images that march out to strike the 
hours, half hours, and quarter hours; and best of all, 
its numerous large old fountains with queer figures, 
standing in the middle of the street every few blocks, 
that afford an abundance of refreshing water for 
both man and beast. 

If all our low dives of every description could be 
converted into such refreshing and health-giving 
places, this world would take on a new lease of life, 
health, and morals. 

Resuming our journey, we came to the pretty 
little city of Lausanne, where we took lunch, then a 
steamer on the lovely Lake Geneva, arriving at Gen- 
eva, the last Swiss city in our tour, about 5.30 p. m. 
Here the language spoken is French; at most of the 
other points visited it was German. Geneva is a 
beautiful city, with many lovely and interesting 
places. While we were walking through and enjoy- 
ing a beautiful suburban park the present home 
or retreat of the much abused Captain Dreyfus was 
pointed out to us. 

From this view a notable object was the union of 
the Arve and Rhone Rivers, the former very muddy 
and the latter very clear — a striking contrast till the 
waters of the two unite after running side by side for 
quite a distance, when the beautiful Rhone takes on 
on the color of the Arve. Life moral — keep out of 
muddy company. 

I would have gladly prolonged our visit in Geneva 
for an indefinite period for it was an interesting place 
to visit, and because to make another move was to 
leave beautiful, enchanting Switzerland, and it was 



Reminiscences 40i 



with deep regret that I left for France, the next 
country in our tour, visiting for several days its capi- 
tal city, the exposition, Versailles, and many other 
places of interest. 

It was here we lost our guide, Mr. W. A. John- 
son, of Baltimore, a circumstance we deeply regret- 
ted. He was sent to Edinburgh to take charge of one 
hundred W. C. T. U. ladies, who had met at that city 
to hold their great World's Convention. 

Our guide was sent out by a company that 
engaged his services, but in my second trip he took 
charge of a company of his own. 

We spent one day in Versailles, where is situated 
the palaces and lovely ornamental grounds of former 
rulers of France. It is now converted into a grand 
museum, and the day here was very enjoyably spent. 

We visited the Paris Exposition, which was quite 
unsatisfactory as we had lost our regular guide, and 
spent hours trying to find some one who could speak 
the English language. 

The last day I hired an interpreter who under- 
stood seven languages, and the first thing I did was 
to mount the Eiffel Tower, nearly one thousand feet 
high, and take a general survey of the city and the 
grounds. People passing looked no larger than toy 
children, and the bottom of chairs placed throughout 
the grounds looked about as large as plates or saucers. 
Returned in an hour, as I though, after writing souv- 
enir cards to friends, but my guide told me I had been 
gone just two hours. 

The Exposition was good, but it is not considered 
by most visitors anything to compare with our great 
Chicago World's Fair. 

Under more favorable circumstances my reminis- 
cences of Paris might be more pleasant, but I will 
now gladly leave France, and relate with what pleas- 



40j Reminiscences 



ure I stepped on English soil after crossing the Eng- 
lish Channel, which was so unusually good to us that 
none were sea sick in crossing. Oh what a relief to 
hear our mother tongue once more! And how I did 
enjoy my trip through the British Isles. 

There is so much of interest to be seen in Lon- 
don, both historical and otherwise, that one should 
remain six months instead of six days, to enjoy fully 
the points of the greatest interest. 

Some one has said, "If you have but one day in 
London, take in Westminster Abbey, London Tower, 
and St. Paul's Cathedral," which of course was in- 
cluded in our sight seeing. 

Our guide in London was a very pleasant, cul- 
tured, and interesting lady, for whom I formed 
a warm attachment. 

Hampton Courts, thirteen miles from the city, is 
to England what Versailles is to France — the former 
home of kings, queens, and the nobility of ancient 
times; but the grounds and surroundings are even 
more beautiful and artistic than those of Versailles. 

There are so many massive, ancient, and grand 
buildings; so many lovely parks, gardens, and beautiful 
drives; so many places and things of great historical 
interest, ancient and modern, that in so brief a 
description one cannot stop to enumerate them; suf- 
fice it to say I was highly pleased with London. It is 
a grand, great, interesting old city. 

The evening of our arrival at the Great Inns of 
Court Hotel, we found everything astir in expecta- 
tion of the one hundred W. C. T. U. ladies from Edin- 
burgh. In a short time they arrived, and a fine look- 
ing party of ladies they were, and with them was our 
former guide. 

Our time with the company, under whose 
auspices we had been traveling having now expired, 



Reminiscences 40k 



a new arrangement was made for a tour through the 
British Isles. I was now to travel alone, as our party 
had disbanded; but I found that no difficult task in an 
English speaking country, and among such a fine class 
of people as I met on every hand, and with such a 
helper as my invisible guide sent out with me, with 
instructions as to time, place, etc., and with this I 
started the 6th of July for Leamington, England. 
With this pleasant city for my headquarters, I visited 
the castles of Warwick and Kenilworth, the former 
occupied by the Earl and Countess of Warwick, and 
the latter in ruins; meeting in my five milk walk to 
Kenilworth castle, quite unexpectedly two of our fel- 
low townmen, Mr. Wagstaff and Mr. Walters, bound 
for the same interesting locality. 

Wonderful Kenilworth castle! How doubly inter- 
esting after a fresh perusal of Scott's historical novel 
of the same name — "Kenilworth." 

Stratford-on-Avon, a lovely drive of twelve miles 
by coach on the best of roads (we have few such roads 
here), brought us to the home and resting place 
of Shakespeare, near the beautiful Avon River. On 
this lovely river, just behind the chapel in which his 
remains were laid, plied a pretty little boat from which 
waved the American flag, and bearing the inscription 
"The George Washington — Welcome to Avon." 

The old and new house were visited, the church 
containing his remains and those of his family; also 
the home of his wife, Ann Hathaway, one and a half 
miles distant; furniture hundreds of years old was 
shown to us, the most conspicuous of which was the 
old "settle" or bench, which they occupied in their 
courting days. I took a refreshing drink from Shakes- 
peare's old well, with its ivy covered curb, which was 
clear, sweet, and cold as ice water. 

My next place of attraction is Edinburgh, and 



401 Reminiscences 



who that has ever read Scott's "Heart of Mid Loth- 
ian," and "The Scottish Chiefs" would not be inter- 
ested in Edinburgh and vicinity? Strikingly promin- 
ent and conspicuous is its castle, and Scott's beautiful 
monument, of Gothic style, and one of the finest of 
its kind in the world. Calton Hill is an interesting 
and sightly place, near which is a cemetery contain- 
ing a life size bronze statue of our own lamented Lin- 
coln, the gift of both Scotch and American admirers 
af this noble man. Then Holyrood palace, the ancient 
home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and other illustrious 
persons. Some of the Queen's furniture, said to be- 
long to her, was shown to us. But what associations 
cluster around the old part of the city in the vicinity 
of the castle. On this street, High Street, we find 
the home of John Knox, the reformer; St. Giles 
Church, where he preached, and near which place his 
remains are laid, in the locality of the old Toll Booth 
prison, referred to in Scott's "Heart of Mid Lothian," 
the precise spot being marked by the figure of a large 
heart, constructed of stone built in the sidewalk. 

The most of Edinburgh's interesting points are 
very accessible from the heart of the city; one can 
walk and see the most of them, which I consider a 
much more interesting method for sight seeing. In 
bidding adieu to this interesting city, my mind reaches 
out to the next two lovely and noted localities of un- 
usual interest to me, and that I have for months 
longed to see — Scott's home, and the famous lakes 
near the Trossachs. 

Abbey Hotel at Melrose is headquarters for tour- 
ists to visit Abbottsford, Melrose Abbey, and Dry- 
burgh; the former, Scott's home, the latter his last 
resting place. A party of one hundred and fifty 
American tourists arrived while I was there. 

The roads are so perfect, and the country so 



Reminiscences 40m 



lovely, that it was a pleasure to walk over them; so I 
took a twelve mile walk one day to Dryburgh, and to 
Wallace's monument and return, including two of the 
Eildon hills in my pedestrian feat, the loftiest being 
1,364 feet high. 

Oh, what a view from the top of these wonderful 
hills! As far as the eye could reach, a distance 
of twenty or twenty-five miles at least, in appearance 
like a continuous park or a beautifully laid out gar- 
den, with the clear and sparkling waters of the lovely 
Tweed River winding through it all, completes a 
scene of enchanting beauty. Said a Scotch lady 
viewing the same delightful locality, "This is a bonny 
place, and it is well worth the pull to reach it." I 
thought she was right. 

The next day I visited Scott's lovely and inter- 
esting home that he gave his precious life by the most 
exacting literary toil to save for his posterity. It is 
now occupied by one of his descendants, who kindly 
opens her doors to the lovers and admirers of Scott 
who wish to visit his home, which is filled with souv- 
enirs, the gifts of people who loved and admired him. 
Everything about his most interesting home is 
arranged and kept as when he left them, even to his 
easy chair by the table where he sat last. In a glass 
case is placed the suit of clothes last worn by him; and 
everything in and around the home speaks of the ex- 
tremely orderly and artistic nature of the former 
owner. 

I turn with a feeling of sadness to my carriage, 
waiting at the gate to take us to the next station; but 
before nightfall I shall be enjoying new scenes, shall 
be by those beautiful lakes with their surrounding 
scenery, made famous by Scott's "Lady of the Lake." 

After a pleasant trip by rail, passing Stirling 
castle on the way, we were met by a coach for the 



40n Reminiscences 



Trossachs, a distance of nine miles. On the way the 
coachman pointed out to us the place by the lake 
where "Roderick Dhu challenged Fitz James to single 
combat;" crossed the "BrigO'Turk" which spans the 
Teith River, passed lovely lakes and clear streams, 
fern fringed roads through the Trossachs (in this 
section of Scotland there are acres of ferns as well as 
the pretty Scotch heather), and reached at the foot 
of the mountains and near the lake our hotel, a mas- 
sive structure more resembling a castle. 

Here I reread the "Lady of the Lake," visited 
the haunts made memorable by Scott, sailed on the 
loveliest of all lovely lakes, Loch Katrine and Loch 
Lomond, and sadly left the enchanted spot for Glas- 
gow, the last point except one to be visited in Scot- 
land, dearly loved Scotland. Glasgow is an interest- 
ing place, and I was delightfully situated in a hotel 
facing George'sSquare, one of the prettiest places in the 
city. From this point I visited Burns' home, and his 
monument at Ayr, about one hours' ride from Glas- 
gow; crossed "The Brig O'Doon" by the "Banks and 
Braes o' Bonny Doon," made famous by the ride of 
Tarn O'Shanter, so graphically described by Burns; 
visited the old ruined church called "Alloway Kirk," 
a prominent object in the same poem. Was sorry I 
could not visit other haunts and homes of the poet 
Burns, several of which were only a few miles from 
Ayr, but I knew that on the morrow I must be on my 
way to the "Emerald Isle," with Dublin, its capital, 
as the objective point, which I reached after crossing 
the rough Irish Sea, on the morning of July 22. In 
visiting interesting localities here I rode on the top or 
"second story" of their street cars, as I did in many 
other places, where one can get a better view of the 
city than from the inside. This style of street car 
and omnibus is used in most places that I visited in 



Reminiscences 40o 



the British Isles and in France, and the top is much 
more preferable in pleasant weather. Here the little 
"Irish jaunting car," where the passengers sit side- 
ways, is very much used. 

Phoenix Park is one of the largest and most 
interesting pleasure resorts, and when I commented 
on its beauty and magnitude, a lady in the park 
remarked that there was only one park in the world 
as large and handsome as that one, and that was Cen- 
tral Park in New York City. 

From interesting Dublin I went to Killarney 
Lakes in the southern part of Ireland, which, with 
their accompanying mountain scenery, are indeed 
beautiful. We went by coach until we reached the 
mountains, where we came to Dunloe Pass, a passway 
or ravine through the mountains, a distance of five 
miles, which distance I walked in preference to rid- 
ing, so that I might gather flowers and heather on the 
way, and came in at the head of the lake in advance 
of my party on horseback. Then came our fourteen 
mile ride on these beautiful lakes, with the enchant- 
ing accompaniment of the most wonderful echoes I 
ever heard, produced by the aid of a bugle blown by 
our guide — not only echoes, but re-echoes, clear and 
shrill and sweet. This was a lovely day, long to be 
remembered. 

On the following day we enjoyed a coach ride of 
nearly fifty miles to Bantry Bay, over such splendid 
roads! I have seen in all my journeyings nothing but 
good roads. No wonder our foreign cousins are noted 
for their great walking feats. We should become as 
good walkers as they, had we as good roads as they 
to walk on; and the roads and streets are all kept 
scrupulously clean. There are no mud holes, ruts, 
filth, or obstructions of any kind in their streets 
or public roads. In one of the cleanest places that I 



40p Reminiscences 



visited, Leamington, England, I said to a lady, "How 
often do you sweep your streets?" When she replied, 
' 'Every day, and when necessary two or three times 
a day." In addition to the good roads another 
attraction for pedestrians arises from the fact that 
not a tramp is to be seen in the whole country; a lady 
has no fear of being insulted should she walk the 
whole length and breadth of the land alone. I 
remarked to an English lady, "I suppose you think 
nothing of walking twelve or fifteen miles in a day," 
when she replied, "we think nothing of walking fif- 
teen or twenty miles." 

The Eccles Hotel at Glengarriff, on the Bantry 
Bay, is a lovely and quiet retreat for a tourist who 
would like to escape the bustle and noise of a great 
city, and many avail themselves of this privilege, as I 
should judge by the crowds who gather there. 

My next move takes me to the city of Cork, an 
interesting city of about 60,000 people; and Queens- 
town, a seaport town, and the place where we went 
to board our steamer for home. Other tourists were 
here on their way home who had toured through the 
British Isles. It is with regret that I leave this 
charming country that has given me so much enjoy- 
ment and pleasure. 

"But," says one, "in all the lands which you vis- 
ited did you see no objectionable features, or wrongs 
that needed righting?" As I was not hunting in the 
slums, nor looking for flaws, but only for pleasure, I 
saw comparatively few, though there were some cus- 
toms that needed sadly to be righted — the one that 
was the greatest inconvenience to the tourist being 
the manner in which baggage was sent from one 
country or place to another. They do not have the 
convenient checking system as we do, and a traveler 
must hunt out and identify his baggage, if he wishes 



Reminiscences 40q 



to get it all right; and if sent to a point unaccompan- 
ied by the owner, it may be often weeks instead of 
days or hours, in reaching its destination. 

One sees more smoking and drinking in public 
than with us, at meals, public places, etc. (but seldom 
accompanied by a boisterous manner) ; and so preva- 
lent is the habit of indulging in spirituous liquors of 
all kinds and in all places, that it is ofttimes difficult 
for one who prefers the "pure and unadulterated ale 
of Father Adam" to secure such a refreshing drink 
with the same delicious coolness and purity that we 
are occustomed to get at home, for ice is as scarce as 
good roads are with us. 

An amusing incident in connection with this sub- 
ject occurred at one of the interesting places that I 
visited in the British Isles. I was taking a stroll 
through the streets, and wishing instruction on some 
points of local interest, I accosted a pleasant middle- 
aged looking gentleman, who gave me the desired in- 
formation very cordially and courteously; seeming 
quite pleased as he had himself visited America, and 
had relatives living here. He jotted down places of 
interest which he advised me to visit, and which, but 
for his kindness, I should have missed; then seeming 
quite pleased with our short conference, he said, "I 
think we must have a drink together after all this." 
I should have been quite shocked at such a suggestion 
in my own country, but knowing the prevailing cus- 
tom with them, and also knowing that they think no 
more of taking a social glass together than we should 
of gossipping over a cup of tea, I quietly said to him, 
"Oh, no, sir; I never drink spirituous liquors of any 
kind; don't you see my white ribbon?" As he did not 
seem to understand, I explained to him, notwith- 
standing he had the title of "Rev." prefixed to his 
name; but I know from the honest look in his face 



40r Reminiscences 



that he meant all in kindness and good will, and 
I readily forgave him. 

To sum up all my experiences, I never met 
so kind and courteous a class of people in all my jour- 
neyings through life. Not an unkind word, look, or 
action did I receive anywhere, not even from conduc- 
tors on trains (they are called "guards" there), 
or from officials in any department — which I am sor- 
ry I cannot say of my own countrymen, for I received 
my first unkind word and discourteous treatment 
after landing in America. This is a fault too glaringly 
apparent among many of our officials. Courtesy costs 
nothing and marks the gentleman every time. 

The purser on our steamer returning home (the 
steamer Belgenland) was such a man, one of nature's 
noblemen, and he has been appropriately named 
"The Lord Chesterfield of the Atlantic Ocean." 

After landing in Philadelphia and being unmerci- 
fully overhauled by the custom house officer (I was 
more leniently treated in this respect in foreign 
lands), I took the train direct for Milwaukee, and had 
a delightful visit with friends, enjoying the lovely 
parks, lake excursions, cool breezes and baths of 
beautiful Lake Michigan; then to Chicago by another 
pleasant trip on the lake; to St. Louis, and home; 
after enjoying one of the most delightful and longest 
to be remembered trips of my whole life. 

Julia A. H. Colby. 



Reminiscences 40s 



Let Each With a Heart Say 

' 'I am the voice of the voiceless, 

Through me the dumb shall speak, 

Till the deaf world's ear be made to hear 
The wrongs of the wordless weak. 



From the street, from cage, from kennel, 
From stable and zoo the wail 

Of my tortured kin proclaims the sin 
Of the mighty against the frail. 

Oh shame on the praying churchman 
With his unstalled at the door, 

Where the Winter's beat, with snow and 
sleet, 
And the Summer sun rays pour. 

Oh shame on the mothers of mortals 
Who have not stopped to teach 

Of the sorrow that lies in dear dumb eyes - 
The sorrow that has no speech. 

The same force that formed the sparrow, 
That fashioned man the king; 

The God of the whole gave a spark of soul 
To furred and feathered thing. 

And I am my brothers keeper — 

And I will fight his fight, 
And speak the word for beast and bird 

Till the world shall set things right. 1 * 
Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 



* 



40t Reminiscences 



God Save the State 

(Tune, "America.") 

"A song to be sung in every Band of Mercy, 
every school, every Church and Sunday School." 

"God bless our native land! 
Firm may she ever stand 

Through storm and night; 
When the wild tempests rave, 
Ruler of wind and wave, 
Do thou our country save 

By thy great might. 

For her our prayer shall rise 
To God above the skies; 

On Him we wait; 
Thou who art ever nigh, 
Guarding with watchful eye, 
To thee aloud we cry 

God save the State!" 



Reminiscences 41 



Expositions 

It has been my great pleasure to attend many 
expositions in my own country, and also one in Paris, 
France, and the more I attend these grand exhibi- 
tions of industry and art the more proud am I of our 
own great and glorious country, America. 

My first interesting experience was in Philadel- 
phia in 1876 and, being my first, I was more deeply 
interested than in any subsequent exposition. On my 
way to Philadelphia I stopped for a few days in the 
beautiful city of Washington, seeing and enjoying 
the many points of interest, but enjoying still more 
my trip on the Potomac River to Mount Vernon, 
Washington's home — "Where Potomac's stream is 
flowing Virginia's border through." My entire trip 
was passed through beautiful scenery that kept me 
interested throughout my entire journey. The day 
of my arrival on the grounds was the anniversary of 
that glorious day when American independence was 
declared by the people from the steps of that sacred 
old building, Independence Hall, from the tower of 
which the glad news of liberty was pealed forth from 
the bell that now stands in the Hall, a mute reminder 
of the days when it stirred the people to the highest 
enthusiasm for their country. 

When I entered one of the most immense of the 
exposition buildings and took a grand view of the 
surroundings from a high point of vantage and beheld 
a little epitome of the whole world, with its people 
with their various arts, fabrics, and merchandise 
peculiar to each individual nation, the wonderful 
order and system displayed and the harmony mani- 
fested among the people, I was filled with wonder and 
great joy that I had the opportunity to witness it all. 

Before leaving Philadelphia, I took two grand 



42 Reminiscences 



trips to the ocean, one to Atlantic City, crossing the 
State of New Jersey by rail; and the other down 
beautiful Delaware Bay to Cape May, and it was at 
the former place that I had my first view of the grand 
old ocean, which I had so longed to see. No wonder 
the poet's enthusiasm compels him to exclaim: 

"The boundless shining glorious sea, 
With ecstacy I gaze on thee, 
And as I gaze thy billowy roll 
Wakes the deep feelings of my soul." 



J. A. H. Colby. 



New Orleans Exposition 

On Saturday morning, December 20, 1884, Nellie 
Wiedebush (Hamilton), Mollie Ingram (Allen) and I 
started for the New Orleans Exposition and arrived 
in the Crescent City the next day about two o'clock. 
We left snow on the ground in Springfield and very 
cold weather, both of which gradually receded as our 
journey progressed southward, and a little south of 
West Plains the snow had entirely disappeared. As 
it was Christmas vacation the parties on trains were 
mostly composed of teachers. 

In passing to the exposition grounds and through- 
out the city, we fully realized that we were in a 
strange city and far from home. We not only met 
strange faces, but strange trees and strange vegeta- 
tion of all kinds were all around us; the sturdy live 
oak with its hanging moss, the magnolia, the orange, 
the palm, the olive and many other unfamiliar kinds, 
with the beautiful clinging vines and fragrant flow- 
ers, all new, but beautiful and interesting. It was 
decidedly pleasant to sit in the winter time without 



Reminiscences 43 



wraps under the orange trees laden with golden fruit, 
enjoying the surroundings. 

One of the most prominent streets of the city is 
Canal Street, near the river. One of the largest and 
finest steamers plying the Mississippi River was the 
J. M. White, from the top of which we had a fine view 
of the river. 

We were quite disappointed in the exposition, as 
it was in such an unfinished state when we went on 
the grounds. In fact, it was not completed till after 
we left, but there were many interesting things 
exhibited notwithstanding the delay. There was a 
representation of King Cotton and his Queen, made 
up entirely of white cotton, the Queen represented as 
knitting, with a white cotton ball at her feet, with 
which a pretty white cotton kitten was playing, their 
throne and room being constructed entirely of white 
cotton, making a fine appearance. 

In old Market Place — a curiosity shop, you can 
find everything and every body; all sorts of eatables 
and merchandise, with all sorts of people to deal them 
out to you — French, Italian, Spanish, English, Ger- 
man, Indian and Negro, the latter race and even the 
Parrots learning to jabber the various languages. 

We went to Hotel Royal, where from the top we 
had a fine view of the city. Were told that in this 
building was once the old slave market. I see in a 
recent paper that this fine old land mark is to be torn 
down. For a change we took several short trips from 
the city, one to Pass Christian on the Gulf and one to 
Lake Ponchartrain, and a trip a few miles in the 
country to an orange grove where the generous 
owners kindly supplied us with an abundance of the 
golden fruit. Reached home all right after an unus- 
ually pleasant trip to the far South. 



44 Reminiscences 



The Chicago Exposition 

I started on my trip to the World's Fair at 
Chicago June 12th, 1893, stopping on rny way to visit 
friends at Rock Island, Moline, Davenport and Milan, 
also at Streator, 111., to visit relatives. June 26th I 
reached Chicago and went directly to the Woman's 
Dormitory, where a cosy, clean little room awaited 
me. The Dormitory was built for ladies only, and oh, 
the freedom and pleasure of it! I became acquainted 
with a lady on the same floor (Mrs. Bartley) and we 
have been faithful friends and regular correspondents 
ever since. Chicago exposition was a grand affair. A 
prominent writer says of it: "The World's Colum- 
bian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893 far exceeded 
all its predecessors." Such a lovely class of people, 
and such perfect order and harmony prevailed that it 
seemed, as a lady remarked, "that the cream of the 
whole world had congregated at the Chicago World's 
Fair." There are so many things to say of it that I 
can scarcely touch upon any of them. I met many 
home friends and was always glad to see them. 

I visited all the State buildings, and a picture 
that I saw in the Kansas state building in the "Suf- 
frage Corner" interested me greatly, entitled "The 
American Woman and Her Political Peers," designed 
by Mrs. Henrietta Briggs-Wall, a suggestive picture 
for woman suffrage, representing Frances Willard as 
the central figure, surrounded by the following incom- 
petents: The idiot, the convict, the Indian and the 
maniac. Underneath the picture (all life size), was 
the following couplet: 

This will not be Freedom's land, 
Till votes are cast by woman's hand. 

I met Miss Susan B. Anthony for the first time 



Reminiscences 45 



in this building. At one of my lunches near the Dor- 
mitory I was asked what my colors represented, and 
when I answered for W. C. T. U. and Woman Suffrage, 
the astonishing question came, "What does Woman 
Suffrage mean?" They would not ask that now. I 
attended the Suffrage convention presided over by 
Susan B. Anthony, and listened to most interesting 
addresses from many prominent speakers of our own 
country, and as many from speakers of foreign coun- 
tries. John Hutchinson of the noted Hutchinson 
family, sang the prophetic song for Woman Suffrage. 

Went for a look and a laugh in the convex and 
concave mirrors. Polished petrified wood of Arizona 
was wonderful and beautiful. Libby Glass Works 
had an interesting exhibit, a full suit made of spun 
glass being on exhibition, and presented to Princess 
Eulalia of Spain. We took a ride on the Ferris Wheel 
and had a splendid view of the city and surroundings, 
and could see across the lake to the State of Michigan, 
twenty-five miles distant. Lighted at night, it looked 
like an immense string of large luminous beads encir- 
cling the wheel, and was a grand and beautiful sight. 

The panorama of the active volcano, Kilauea, on 
on the Hawaii Islands, was startlingly and realistic- 
ally interesting; also the panorama of the Berenice 
Alps. The lofty mountain peaks covered with snow, 
the steep precipices, beautiful deep valleys with cosy 
little villages nestled in their depths, a lovely lake in 
the distance, cows, sheep, and the mountain goat 
grazing in the valleys, cottages scattered on the hill- 
sides and mountain plateaus, taking in all the rugged 
and realistic scenes of the charming country of 
Switzerland, is a picture that will remain in my mind 
as one of the most charming and interesting scenes 
that I witnessed on the grounds. How I could dwell 
on all the beautiful, interesting and wonderful things 



46 Reminiscences 



witnessed and enjoyed, but will close with the charm- 
ing Swiss scenes still lingering in my mind. 



Omaha, 1898 

The Chicago exposition was very oppropriately 
named the "White City;" with equal appropriateness 
was the Omaha exposition so named. I was surprised 
at the magnitude and beauty of the whole affair, and 
I was one of many who expressed the same surprise 
and pleasure, and I can truly say that it compared 
very favorably with the Chicago World's Fair, and 
was inferior, I think, only in size. The floral decora- 
tions far surpassed those seen in Chicago, and the 
fountains and illuminations are said to be equal to 
to those in the other beautiful "White City." 

Chicago had its Midway; Omaha had several, or 
perhaps one might say several divisions of the same. 
Instead of the magnificent Ferris wheel, Omaha had 
its "Giant See-saw." The man who invited your 
patronage quaintly announced that "It will cost you 
nothing to see, but twenty-five cents to saw." 

I was quite interested in the department called 
the "Congress of Indians," camped in a large enclos- 
ure within the grounds. The different tribes were 
camped, many of them with their families, in differ- 
ent localities on the grounds, and there were said to 
be over 500 already encamped and as many as 1,000 
expected. A policeman at the gate gave me the 
names of fifteen or twenty tribes already on the 
grounds, and more coming every day. Among the 
tribes present he gave me the following names: 
Chippewas, Iroquois, Omahas, Tonkaways, Poncas, 
Crows, Sioux, Winnebagoes, Cheyennes, Arapahoes, 
Black Feet, Flat Heads, Apaches, Assinaboines, Sacs 
and Foxes. 



Reminiscences 47 



I took a day off to visit an old time friend and 
former citizen of Springfield, Mo., Mrs. R. A. Whit- 
comb, living at Dorchester, Neb. , a few hours' ride 
from Omaha and about an hour's ride from Lincoln. 
'T is a beautiful country — such immense fields of 
corn, and such huge bins filled to the top with the 
golden grain. No wonder they sometimes burn corn 
instead of wood in these great western prairie 
countries. 

Among the attractions on the Midway was the 
little Cuban midget, weighing only 174 pounds, 28 
years old, well developed, and looking more like a 
handsome, animated doll than anything I can com- 
pare her to. Her name is Chiquita, and when you 
see her tiny carriage, drawn by the most diminutive 
of little black ponies, you will think it too small for 
any human being until you see the little lady herself. 
Her bicycle is about one foot in height. 

Miss Caroline Brooks is the noted butter sculp- 
tress, her first work being exhibited in the Philadel- 
phia World's Fair, next in Chicago, where she had 
both butter and marble models, and at Omaha, where 
I had the good fortune to see her putting the finishing 
touches on a life size handsome bust of Admiral 
Dewey. She had other models, among them the pro- 
file of Abraham Lincoln. J. A. H. Colby. 



St. Louis Exposition 

The St. Louis Exposition opened April 30th, 1904, 
and closed December 1st, the same year. It compared 
very favorably with the Chicago World's Fair, and 
was a grand success. The many interesting things 
presented for the inspection of the visitor was truly 
wonderful as well as intensely interesting. It was a 



48 Reminiscences 



matter of surprise how many natives from different 
localities of the world, many of whom we know so 
little about, could have been collected together, and 
furnishing so much interest in the way of dress (and 
lack of dress), habits, customs and manner of build- 
ing their homes, for it seems there was a complete 
assemblage of the world's races. 

The drill of the Philippine soldiers was a surprise 
to me, in fact, I never saw more perfect evolutions. 
There were so many different tribes of the black, the 
brown and the red races. A group of Chippewa In- 
dians was interesting from the fact of their head ruler 
being a woman, or queen, whom her subjects implic- 
itly obeyed. 

Perhaps the finest specimens of more than sixty 
primitive tribes assembled at the Universal Exposi- 
tion were the Osage Indians. They have little in 
common with other American Indians. They have 
discarded almost entirely the Indian costume, and 
wear not only the white man's clothing, but the white 
man's watch and chain. 

Perhaps the most conspicuous object in the Pal- 
ace of Agriculture was the corn palace of Missouri, 
great towers being constructed entirely of Missouri 
corn. One tower was of white, its companion tower 
of yellow corn, each being thirty-eight feet in height. 
The monument was ornamented with the American 
flag. 

The wireless wonder was a tower 300 feet high, 
which gave the daily events on the grounds. 

A mammoth production representing King Cotton 
was the design of Mississippi. The colossal figure 
was crowned. The Missouri building was a splendid 
representation of the State, comparing favorably with 
any other State building, but was unfortunately 
burned to the ground during the exposition. 



Reminiscences 49 



A city without nails was the Filipino village, con- 
structed of bamboo poles, mahogany and cocoanut 
logs, and nipa grass for thatching. The Philippine 
village was termed an exhibition in itself. They live 
in houses of bamboo construction. 

The Japanese Commission, instead of one build- 
ing, had a group. They worked actively on their 
building in the winter when the snow flew and took 
no holiday. When the Americans and Japanese 
passed each other going to their work in the morning 
the Americans saluted them with something intended 
to be Japanese. The Japanese laughed and respond- 
ed, "Good morning." 

Alaska was represented with Totem poles, the 
custom being to have one in front of each dwelling. 

Festival Hall was one of the grand features of 
the exposition, the total height being 190 feet and the 
auditorium seated over 3,000 people. One of the most 
interesting and impressive scenes was the great cen- 
tral Plaza of St. Louis. The view from Festival Hall 
was considered one of the grandest scenes of the expo- 
sition. There were millions of flowers. To appreciate 
the landscape adornment, the visitor must traverse Cas- 
cade Gardens, the Sunken Gardens, and the surround- 
ings of the Palace of Horticulture. The beds of Cas- 
cade gardens are thousands of feet in length, but 
these are by no means all. The lagoons were a beau- 
tiful feature of the exposition. These waterways 
were among its chief glories. The Grand Basin at St. 
Louis was what the Court of Honor was at Chicago. 

The largest time piece in the world, the eighth 
wonder of the world was the Floral Clock. The dial 
was 112 feet in diameter, the hands each weighed 
2,500 pounds, the minute hand was seventy- four feet 
long, and the numbers representing the hours fifteen 
feet long. The monster hands were moved by com- 



50 Reminiscences 

pressed air instead of by springs or weights. In a 
belfry a few feet from the pavilion was a bell of 5,000 
pounds upon which were struck the hours and half 
hours of the wonderful clock. The face and numbers 
of the clock were growing plants and flowers. 

The Tyrolese Alps, an imposing imitation of snow 
capped mountains, was 500x550 feet. The back- 
grounds were mountain scenery showing the Alps, 
snow covered and rising to a great height. There is 
the village street on which stands the statue of 
Andreas Hofer, a grand character, to the Tyrolese 
what Washington was to America. Tyrolese musi- 
cians play and Tyrolese singers render the Yodel 
songs. To view all the wonders of Tyrolean Alps re- 
quires hours; in fact, a day may be spent in the Tyrol 
of the World's Fair. 

I was particularly interested in the mammoth 
bird cage, covering acres of ground and rising above 
the tops of trees. The cage was 200 feet long and 100 
feet wide. The birds numbered more than 1,000. In 
this immense cage it was a case of every feather 
flocking together. These fowls swim, dive, roost 
high, and in a great variety of ways afford entertain- 
ment to thousands of visitors; from the crane that 
will meditatively stand on one leg for hours if not 
molested, to the lordly eagle that soars to the 
tops of the trees and evidently realizes his superiority 
over all the other birds, to the sweet singer and 
bright plumaged of the feathery tribe, the graceful 
swan and all the others live in peace and harmony 
with each other — a lesson for humanity. 

And now our wonderful State exhibition is but a 
beautiful memory. J. A. H. Colby. 



Reminiscences 51 



Our Trip to California 

On Tuesday, May 15th, 1894, Mrs. Mary Lovan 
and I started for a trip to California, and after a very 
pleasant and successful journey we arrived at San 
Francisco on the morning of May 20th. 

We spent a few days in the city, attending the 
State Fair then in progress and visiting other points 
of interest. The fair was very interesting, as many 
exhibits were brought direct from the Chicago World's 
Fair of the preceding year. 

We enjoyed an outing to the Pacific Ocean, visit- 
ing beautiful Sutro Heights, a magnificent home be- 
longing to one of California's most prominent men, 
Mr. Sutro, who was the mayor of the city and a very 
philanthropic and public-spirited man, and who left 
the estate to the city at his death. 

Cliff House, situated on the beach, was a delight- 
ful resting place to sit on the open porch which over- 
hung the waters of the ocean, where the waves 
dashed up at our very feet, and where we enjoyed 
the grandeur of it all for hours, watching the sea- 
lions basking in the sun, or playing in their old accus- 
tomed place on a large protruding rock. The largest 
of the group has been named Ben Butler. 

To get a better view of the city and grounds, I 
climbed "Strawberry Hill," and while I enjoyed the 
lovely view, I confess to a little feeling of nervous- 
ness when I realized that I was alone and was being 
gazed at by three stalwart Indians, who followed me 
when I hurried down the hill. 

I did not find San Francisco as pleasant as other 
points in California, for it was so windy and cold. 
But before separating from each other, my friend 
going north to visit her friends and I going south to 
visit mine, I must not forget to give a few items of 



52 Reminiscences 



interest of our trip going to California. 

We met many pleasant, intelligent, and cultured 
people. We traveled with a very pleasant and social 
teacher on the train, and when near Colorado Springs 
we agreed to climb Pike's Peak on our return home, 
as she expected to return the same time we did, but 
the strike spoiled all our plans; and I was also much 
disappointed in not being able to stop and visit an old 
time friend from Marshfield, Mo., Laura Coleman- 
Farrar. 

In passing the highest altitude on our route, many 
were very sick and remained so until lower altitudes 
were reached. A gentleman who sat near me, whose 
handkerchiefs were saturated from profuse bleeding, 
said to me: "Madam, does not this high altitude af- 
fect you?" "Not at all," I replied, "except to make 
me feel better." 

My friend and I separated from each other in San 
Francisco with the understanding that we would meet 
at a certain time and return home together. Before 
reaching the objective point of my trip, Long Beach, 
I visited friends in Los Angeles, Ontario, Pomona, 
and a few hours in beautiful Passadena. In Los An- 
geles I visited Mrs. M. K. Smith and family, also Mr. 
Potter's family; in Ontario my old time friends, the 
Bodenhamer family, and in Pomona my neighbors of 
the years gone by, the Mishlers, and the Whitson 
family, and had a very pleasant time with all families 
formerly living in Springfield and Marshfield, Mo. 

I then went to Long Beach where I remained 
several weeks with relatives living within a block of 
the grand old Pacific Ocean. I enjoyed my stay 
exceedingly at this place, taking many trips to sev- 
eral points on the ocean beach, for my cousins were 
greatly interested in everything pertaining to the 
ocean, gathering shells at low tide, and sitting for 



Reminiscences 53 



hours on the beach, watching the merry bathers and 
inhaling the pure bracing air. I did not enjoy my 
bath in this ocean so much as in the Atlantic Ocean a 
few years before, the waters being too chilly for 
enjoyment. After a few delightful weeks at Long 
Beach with my cousins, the Bacons, I returned to 
Los Angeles, to take the train for San Francisco to 
meet my friend and return home, when I found to my 
surprise that my way was blocked because of the strike 
which occurred during the Cleveland administration. 

As there was a local train from Los Angeles to 
Long Beach not "tied up" my kind cousin, Elmer 
Bacon, hearing of my misfortune, came promptly for 
me, when I returned with him to Long Beach, and 
was detained for a week or two before train service 
was again resumed. When I again met my friend at 
San Francisco and we started on our homeward way 
the last of July, glad, but a little nervous because of 
the strike and the uncertainty of safe traveling, for 
our train was guarded by soldiers for several days. 
Ahead of us strikers had burned a bridge and we 
were detained for an entire day on the plains, but 
during this unfortunate delay we were enlivened and 
cheered by a company of young people who had with 
them various musical instruments and, notwithstand- 
ing our enforced detention, time passed pleasantly, 
for we were sufficiently optimistical to believe that 
eventually all would be well with us. 

When starting on our trip I said to my friend, 
With your good looks and my experience in traveling, 
I prophesy a splendid time. And we certainly had 
it, for with our determination to make the best of 
everything and from being such harmonious compan- 
ions, we felt that we could take a trip around the 
world together and come out in "tip top" condition 
at the end of our journey. 



54 Reminiscences 



My friend was greatly amused because I made it 
a point to step out on terra firma at every stopping 
place that I might say that I had trod on the ground 
of all the states in passing. 

We made a short stay at the capital of the Mor- 
mon State and found Salt Lake City a very interest- 
ing city. We stopped for a few hours in Denver and 
while waiting for our train took a stroll through the 
city, patronizing a neat looking restaurant, where my 
friend, being of a kind and obliging disposition, was 
unexpectedly placed in a disagreeable and trying po- 
sition, for when a young looking mother came in and 
wondered what she could do with her baby (as she 
was tired, she said) while she went out to get some 
milk for it, my friend kindly said: "I'll hold your 
baby for you till you return." But — she never 
returned! a serious joke for my kind-hearted friend. 
We left the child with the police matron, but we 
never heard what became of the poor abandoned baby. 

We reached home safely, and in good time, con- 
sidering our unexpected delays, satisfied and happy 
with the memory of our lovely trip still lingering in 
our minds, and with the desire, as we both expressed 
it, of another trip together some time in the future. 

J. A.. H. Colby. 



Trips to St. Paul and Florida 

I am a lover of travel, and as great a lover of the 
humane work, and consequently have had the great 
pleasure of two splendid trips, one to St. Paul, Min- 
nesota, and the other to St. Augustine, Florida, the 
strong attraction and incentive to both being the 
meetings of the National Humane Association held at 



Reminiscences 55 



these two points. For many years I have had a 
strong desire to visit these two extreme points north 
and south, as I had formerly visited Boston, Massa- 
chusetts, and San Francisco and other places in Cali- 
fornia, east and west extremes, and it is with lasting 
satisfaction and pleasure that my desires have been 
gratified in interesting and enjoyable trips to Minne- 
sota and Florida. 

The thirty-third Annual Humane Association con- 
vened at St. Paul the 5th, 6th, and 7th of October, 
1909, and when a strong appeal from our worthy 
National President, Dr. W. 0. Stillman, came for all 
persons interested in the anti-cruelty work in the 
United States to come and attend this convention I 
responded to the call and joined the forces whose sole 
aim is not only to ameliorate the condition of our 
dumb friends, but of humanity as well, for whoever 
cultivates a love for animals and children enobles and 
elevates his own character. 

St. Paul is a beautiful city; Minneapolis likewise, 
which we visited in a long, delightful automobile ride, 
and we found the people of both cities awake and 
alert in the cause of our reform. 

Our sessions were well attended, and great inter- 
est manifested. New acquaintances were made, and 
lasting friendships formed. It was my great pleasure 
to form the acquaintance of several dear friends 
whose friendship I highly cherish. Prominent among 
these was a group of ladies stopping at the same 
hotel, whom from our pleasant associations together 
were named the Humane Quartette. 

What lover of animals does not revere the name 
of that pioneer worker in the humane cause, Mr. 
George T. Angell? My deep regard for this kind- 
hearted man drew me irresistibly to Mrs. Angell, his 
widow, whom I met the morning session of our first 



56 Reminiscences 



day, and glad was I to be associated with her during 
the three days of our meeting together. And what 
would the State of New Hampshire do without that 
wonderful worker in the cause, who gave her time, 
her vitality, and her heartfelt interest and love for 
the cause to the entire State of New Hampshire? — our 
noble worker, Mrs. M. J. Kendall. 

The other member of our quartette is Mrs. Belle 
Jones, the local president of the Rock Island Humane 
Society, who by her untiring energy and perseverance 
has made her society a flourishing and growing one, 
due almost wholly to her unwavering faithfulness 
and enduring zeal in the work. 

My dreams and expectations of St. Paul and 
Minneapolis, the Twin Cities, as they are familiarly 
called, were more than realized. In our fifty mile 
automobile ride we traveled over some of the finest 
roads I ever saw; passed beautiful homes, and fine 
public buildings, handsomely decorated lawns and 
parks, visited interesting Minnehaha Falls and many 
other points of interest. 

My visit to these interesting places will be a 
beautiful dream in my memory never to be effaced. 

J. A. H. Colby. 



Florida 

With two dear friends installed in my cottage 
home in my absence, one (Mrs. A. T. Moore) to care 
for my little flock (my pupils), the other (Mrs. Alta 
Stevens) to care for my home, I started on my trip 
to the South land for a few days stay on November 
5th, and reached St. Augustine, Florida, on Sunday, 
the 7th, after a pleasant trip and most delightful 
weather. Although for many years I had had a 



Reminiscences 57 



strong desire to visit Florida, the one chief incentive 
for the trip on this special occasion was the convening 
of the National Humane Association in that locality. 

By stopping at the St. George Hotel I had the 
pleasure of meeting and becoming acquainted with 
many of the delegates. I was much pleased to greet 
and clasp the hand of that loyal and enthusiastic 
worker and leader in our grand reform, Mrs. Mary 
F. Lovell, Superintendent of World and National 
W. C. T. U. Department of Humane Education. 

Our convention was well represented with dele- 
gates from all parts of the United States; my native 
state, Ohio, being the best represented of any state 
excepting New York and Florida. One brave woman 
came all the way from Portland, Oregon, and a nine- 
teen year old girl from the Island of Cuba with an 
interesting paper. A representative from Wyoming, 
in a private conversation, gave a fine account of 
woman's work in that state, showing the good results 
of woman suffrage. 

In our four days' session, the first two were 
devoted to the cause of animals, and the last two to 
the discussion of childron, their care, training, etc. 
One paper on this subject I considered so exception- 
ally fine that I requested and received a copy of it. 
The writer strikes at the root of the matter when he 
says: "It does seem rather late in the day to begin 
the reformation of a criminal after he arrives behind 
the bars, and likewise our efforts are somewhat 
belated when we delay the same until the child has 
been ushered into this world burdened with a weak 
and diseased body, with a defective mental equip- 
ment, and into an environment that is of the worst 
possible kind for the growth and development of such 
child. 

"I hold this truth to be self evident: That every 



58 Reminiscences 



child has the inalienable right to be well-born, forti- 
fied with a healthy body and endowed with normal 
mental faculties, having for its parents those who 
fully realize their responsibility to their offspring, 
and who are properly equipped with knowledge requi- 
site to perform their duty." 

And summing up again he says: "Every child 
has the right to be born of healthy, normal parents, 
and is entitled to plenty of sunshine and pure air, 
proper food and clothing, good environment, a prac- 
tical education, loving care, and an all around square 
deal." 

The subject of compulsory humane education 
was not only ably and earnestly presented, but as 
earnestly and logically discussed, the concensus of 
opinion indicating the belief in the necessity of such 
a law. 

I was fortunate in obtaining one of the ablest 
papers on this subject, in which I am so thoroughly 
interested, arid have reason to be very grateful to the 
two courteous gentlemen who so kindly presented me 
with their very able papers. 

In an association with humanitarians one enjoys 
the happy assurance that each and every one is 
a friend, a brother or a sister, and all working for 
the same great end, the betterment of the human 
race through their love and care of every living 
creature, both human and dumb. Such was my 
happy experience in our harmonious gathering at St. 
Augustine, Florida — quaint, but intensely interest- 
ing St. Augustine, with its old, old buildings, its old 
fort, its narrow streets, its magnificent hotels, its 
beautiful palms, its cheerful-looking evergreens, its 
lovely parks, centrally located; its palm row avenues, 
its flowers, its balmy air, its pretty bay which bounds 
it on the east, and grandest of all, but a few miles 



Reminiscences 59 



distant, the grand old Atlantic Ocean, with its bound- 
ing billows, its ceaseless roar, its clean white sanded 
beach, which is reached by crossing the bay in a 
pretty launch which our party just filled, then cross- 
ing an island in a quaint little street car, the island 
residents halting us for a splendid oyster banquet ere 
reaching our destination. Oh, for a day — an entire 
day on the beautiful shore of this grand old ocean, 
gathering shells, the pretty clean shells from sand as 
white and soft, almost, as flour! But here comes 
hurriedly one of the dear humane ladies to remind 
me that I am the last one on the beach, and that I 
must hurry or 1 will get left, and I reluctuantly follow. 

One pleasant feature of my trip was the beautiful 
weather from the start till my return home, which 
was Saturday, the 13th of November. My route took 
me through seven states, including Missouri, and the 
principal cities of Jacksonville on the St. John's 
River, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Memphis on the 
Mississippi River. 

My trip to Florida was a pleasant experience, an 
inspiration for my work, and a delightful memory for 
the future. Julia A. Hovey-Colby. 



Fallen Men 

As through this great world we daily do pass, 
Intent on our business or pleasure, 

We meet many others who hurry through life, 
And others who pass on in leisure. 

A leisure one passed in her carriage so fine, 

When her eye caught the sight of a maiden; 

Her lips curled in scorn as she passed her by — 
"Fallen woman" with eyes heavy laden. 
But where is her "fallen man?" 



Reminiscences 



Oh, proud, scornful woman, did you but know 
That the man who now sits by your side, 

That promised you once to be faithful and true, 
When he took you and made you his bride, 

Is the heartless deceiver who promised the same 
To the one you with scorn placed a ban, 

Whom he wronged and rejected without a regret, 
Could you love him or trust him — this base ' 'fal- 
len man?" 

Young girls are entrapped in many strange ways, 
By poison, by force, and by promise; 

Sometimes in the garb of a holy man, 
Some times like the gay Adonis. 

But the wrong and the shame is the same in them all 

No matter whatever the raiment: 
And retribution to them in time shall come 

For their heinous crime and betrayment. 
But where are the "fallen men?" 

He errs through passion, and she errs through love, 
But the populace give him the doubt; 

His sin is not in the fact of doing, 

But in the fact of being found out — 
So where is your "fallen man?" 

Emblazon her name on the scrolls of shame, 

But let the aggressor go free; 
Withhold his name from the pages of blame, 

For he is a man, you see. 

And where is the "fallen man?" 

With the man-made laws to protect his cause 

And shield him at every turn, 
Like his "age of consent" for protection meant. 

We all would be glad to learn 

Just where is the "fallen man." 



Reminiscences 61 



We '11 tell you where is the "fallen men," 
In the church, on the farm, in the college, 

In the halls where man-made laws are passed. 
And in the halls of knowledge; 

'T is here you' 11 find your "fallen man." 

But a Mann has come to the rescue, 

The aggressor's fate to seal, 
For the "tables are turning" and aggressors are 
learning 
That the laws have another deal, 

And we 're finding the "fallen man." 

J. A. H.-C. 

My Second Trip to Europe 

I started on my second trip to Europe Saturday 
morning, June 14th, 1902, with Mrs. Florence Mc- 
Laughlin and daughter Florence. Not having visited 
Italy on my first trip, I decided to go again and 
"take in" that historical country. We arrived in 
New York on the morning of the 16th, after a very 
pleasant trip from Springfield, Missouri, stopping at 
Broadway Central, where we met our conductor, Mr. 
W. A. Johnson, also Mrs. Gertrude Clark and family, 
who accompanied us on our trip abroad. On the 
morning of the 18th, we boarded the beautiful steam- 
er Southwark, a steady and easy sailing steamer, 
clean and fresh, the diningroom decorated with flow- 
ers, and everything as pleasant and delightful as any 
one could wish for a ten days' sail. Several hundred 
passengers were on board, and all seemed to make a 
special point of being happy and making others 
happy. The leaders in the "glad game" were a com- 
pany of young men students, who introduced games 
below during the day and in the evening- arranged 



62 Reminiscences 



interesting programs in the sitting rooms above, in 
shape of concerts, musicals, and rhetorical exercises, 
and so the time passed very pleasantly. One of the 
invitations to an evening concert facetiously an- 
nounced that carriages and automobiles would be at 
our doors at nine. 

On pleasant days it was delightful sitting on 
deck, wrapped in our steamer rugs, reading or rest- 
ing. The chief engineer took our party down below 
to see the wonderful and massive machinery that 
keeps the great steamer "plowing through the briny 
deep" so many days. The tenth day out we began 
to look eagerly for some sign of land. We began to 
see sail boats and other vessels, and the beautiful sea 
gulls have followed our vessel for hours, some flying 
along-side and some gracefully dipping into the 
water. The first land we see is Land's End and 
Lizzard Point, England, and next the Isle of Wight, 
near the English shore, and about sunset of the 
eleventh day we enter the Shelde River, where begins 
to appear the fascinating scenery of the Netherlands, 
with their windmills, tiled roofs and massive dykes. 

Arrived at Antwerp about 7.30 in the morning, 
June 29th. After resting awhile, we went out to see 
a little of the city before leaving for Brussels. We 
visited the beautiful cathedral, the most beautiful 
specimen of Gothic architecture in Belgium. The 
steeple, over 400 feet high, with the beautiful and 
delicate carving, was compared by Napoleon to a piece 
of Mechlin lace. We visited several other interesting 
places, then left Sunday night the 30th for Brussels, 
sometimes called the "Belgian Paris," and found a 
wonderfully interesting city, inhabited by a happy, 
social class of people who seemed to enjoy life to the 
fullest extent, even to sitting on the sidewalks, in a 
gossippy way. Had a lovely ride through the city, 



Reminiscences 63 



and from one of the principal buildings had a very 
fine view of the beautiful city. 

We went out one morning at three to see the 
market women with their dogs hitched to clumsy 
little wagons, bringing in vegetables, milk, flowers, 
etc., and as they came in quite a distance, the dogs 
seemed quite tired, and most of them were lying 
down to rest. 

Some of the most noted buildings are the Royal 
Palace, Hotel de Ville, and the Palace of Justice. We 
went out to the Waterloo battle ground and climbed 
to the top of the pyramidal mound, climbing 224 
steps, and had a very fine view of the surrounding 
country. July 1st we started for The Hague, capital 
of Holland, and arrived at 11.30 and after lunch and 
rest went in carriages to Queen Wilhelmina's palace 
in the woods, a beautiful place, and noted as the 
assembling place for National Peace Conventions; 
then a most enjoyable drive through the Royal Park 
to her palace in the city. Next, away for Amster- 
dam. We went to very interesting art galleries and 
museums, crossed many bridges that spanned canals, 
and saw nice looking women and girls in native 
costume. 

From Amsterdam on to Cologne, in the pictur- 
esque and legendary Rhine country, with its magnifi- 
cent cathedral, the "flower of Gothic art," hundreds 
of years in construction, ; then a trip on the Rhine, 
one of the finest river rides I ever had in my life, its 
wonderful legendary castles making it almost a fairy 
trip. Next, on to Wiesbaden, a fine health resort, on 
our national holiday, and we had quite a hunt for 
small American flags to wear, as we wished to show 
our colors on our natal day; and at night we went to 
see the fireworks and displays in the park, arranged 
by American citizens, the finest I have ever seen. It 



64 Reminiscences 



seemed almost like being at home to see our flags so 
liberally displayed. 

We took the train next day for Berlin, the beau- 
tiful and most modern city of Europe, with its wide 
ornamental avenues, some of them decorated the 
entire length with beautiful life statues on each side 
of the avenue. We went to zoological gardens said 
to be the largest in the world. In our carriage ride 
we passed the River Spree, where beer gardens were 
located, patronized by a happy looking class of people, 
when some one of our party remarked, "They are all 
on a spree." 

Dresden is next visited, and very much enjoyed, 
for it is an interesting city, situated near the Elbe 
River. We went to the art gallery, a lovely collection 
of paintings, among the finest I 've seen, the most 
noted and admired being the "Sistine Madonna," by 
Raphael, and the "Madonna of the Chair," by Cor- 
regio, and other very fine ones. In King George's 
palace we saw the greatest assortment of gems and 
most beautiful ones I ever witnessed. Arrived at 
Vienna after a long ride, not finding the hotel so nice 
as in Dresden — no carpet on the floor and not so 
good beds. At the museum and art gallery the pic- 
tures were not so good as at Dresden, but the build- 
ings much finer. The Natural History department 
was the finest I have seen. 

I took a walk to the Danube River in the afternoon 
but did not find it the beautiful "Blue Danube," as 
the song goes, but found it muddy. We left Vienna in 
the morning and traveled through grand and beauti- 
ful scenery, the finest I 've seen except the Rhine 
and Swiss scenery. Our way was over Semering 
Pass, mountains, and romantic scenery, reminding 
one of Switzerland. Crossed rivers and a beautiful 
lake seven or eight miles long. (Have forgotten the 



Reminiscences 65 



name). Saw in Austria one of the most beautiful 
castles yet seen, a modern one, cream color, to be 
seen for miles. The scenery was so romantic did not 
get very tired, though we did not reach Venice until 
twelve. 

"Venice is situated in a bay of the Adriatic Sea, 
and upon 117 small islands. The islands are separated 
by 150 canals, and connected by 378 bridges, one of 
the most imposing and beautiful being the 'Rialto.' 
The 'Bridge of Sighs' is a short but handsome struc- 
ture, leading from the prisons under the palace of 
the Doges to the torture chamber and hall of execu- 
tion, prisoners on their way to the dungeon getting 
their last view of the world from this bridge. Boats 
called gondolas take the place of cabs. There is not 
a horse, cow, or other domestic animal in all Venice 
with its 150,000 population, hundreds of whom have 
never seen a horse or a cow." We enjoyed several 
gondola rides on the grand canal where we had a fine 
view of the city, and where we saw many prominent 
and old historical buildings; and especially were these 
gondola rides enjoyable on moonlight nights, with 
the accompaniment of music, as we sped softly over 
the rippling waters. St. Mark's Church, one of the 
most imposing though not the largest, is situated on 
a square or plaza of the same name, and is richly 
ornamented with mosaics and marble, with long 
rows of beautiful marble statues. "The open square 
in front of St. Mark's is the grand focus of attraction 
at Venice. On summer evenings all who desire to 
enjoy fresh air congregate here." The scene is most 
beautiful by moonlight. The natives show their kind- 
ness by protecting the large flocks of doves that fre- 
quent the square and are permanently domiciled in 
this locality, and are so tame and trustful that they 
will flock around you when food is thrown to them, 



66 Reminiscences 



eating from your hand or alighting on your shoulder. 
The morning we left this interesting city, we went 
out for the double purpose of feeding these dear pets 
and of climbing the Campanile, or bell tower, 350 feet 
high, which has stood 900 years, but were deterred 
from our purpose when we observed a wide crack in 
the tower, extending from top to bottom; and we 
were scarcely out of the city when it fell with a crash 
to the ground. It has since been rebuilt similar to the 
first, the completion being commemorated with great 
show and ceremony. One of the beautiful churches 
visited was recently demolished by bombs from the 
enemy. How unnecessary and lawless is the destruc- 
tion of such beautiful structures, that will take years 
to replace. 

Florence is the intellectual and artistic capital of 
Italy, sometimes named the "Lily of the Arno;" the 
city of Dante, Leonardo, Michael Angelo, Raphael, 
Savaronola, and others; containing the "immortal 
sculptures of Michael Angelo. " This is the city of the 
most noted galleries of art, containing some of the 
finest specimens of statuary and paintings in the 
world, and is an excellent school for the student of 
art. A beautiful drive takes us up into the hills sur- 
rounding the city, past many beautiful villas, and 
where we attain a fine view of the city and the sur- 
rounding country. 

The City of Milan would be a wonderful city if 
for nothing more than its magnificent marble cathe- 
dral. Besides the immensity of its proportions, it is 
adorned with 6,000 beautiful marble statues, in niches 
on the outside, and on the tops of the myriads of 
graceful minarets or pinnacles, a veritable forest of 
minarets, surmounted by life-sized statues of noted 
people, many of Biblical history. "This marvelous 
structure has been estimated to represent the area of 



Reminiscences 67 



thirty churches, each 86x60 feet. The roof is of mar- 
ble, and is supported at its vast height by marble 
columns — a marble grove with a marble roof . " One 
has a splendid view of the city and surrounding 
country from the roof. ' 'Around are the historic plains 
of Lombardy and the snowy Alps away to the north." 
The original masterpiece of De Vinci's "Last Supper" 
is seen here. The City of Milan, with its beautiful Milan 
cathedral, leaves a pleasant impression on my memory. 
Next is Rome, "That sat on her seven hills, and 
from her throne of beauty ruled the world." No 
other city in the world is so impressive and instruct- 
ive to a thoughtful person as the "Eternal City." 
Some of the most interesting objects to be seen are 
the Colosseum, the most wonderful ruin in the world, 
where thousands of men and beasts lost their lives, 
and a number of Christians suffered for their faith; 
the Forum, the ruins of an immense structure; the 
Pantheon, and St. Peter's Church. We crossed the 
Tiber River on the "Bridge of the Caesars" to visit 
St. Peter's Church and the Vatican, passing Hadrian's 
tomb, or the Castle of St. Angelo, an immense struc- 
ture, circular in form. We had the unusual and great 
privilege of visiting the Pope of Rome, joining a 
party of Catholics who stopped at the same hotel, 
who came to attend a jubilee occasion of the Pope 
(Leo XIII). St. Peter's is the largest and most mag- 
nificent church in the world; is 400 feet high and 
capable of holding 50,000 people, and is connected 
with the Vatican, the home of the Pope. The Vatican 
is so immense it is said to contain 13,000 rooms. 
There are 150 pieces of statuary around the square of 
St. Peter's Church. The Vatican contains some of 
the most prominent paintings and statuary in the 
world. The Sistine Chapel, has immense and inter- 
esting paintings by Michael Angelo. 



68 Reminiscences 



The Catacombs, underground tombs of the an- 
cients, estimated to be between 800 and 900 miles in 
length, and none dare attempt to go through them 
without a guide. "An idea of the vastness of the 
Catacombs may be gathered from the fact that in 
1837 a school consisting of a master and thirty pupils 
was so effectively lost in them as never to be found." 
The Appian Way is a noted road leading out of Rome, 
the main highway from Rome to the south, once 
called the "Queen of Roads." The immense aqueduct 
was built to bring the water from forty-two miles 
distant to Rome. We passed an odd and dilapidated 
looking building said to have been the home of the 
noted Rienzi, one of the Roman Tribunes. In one of 
the buildings a very interesting picture is shown in 
a novel manner. 

The famous painting, "Aurora," is placed on the 
top ceiling and a large mirror is placed on a table 
beneath, which gives a fine view of its reflected 
beauty in this advantageous position. There are 
magnificent triumphal arches built to commemorate 
noted people and events. We obtained souvenirs of 
Roman pearls manufactured in the city, a close imi- 
tation of the real pearls. The morning we left the 
city, the courteous and genial manager of the most 
excellent hotel where we stopped presented each of 
our entire party (of ladies) with a magnificent bou- 
quet of flowers. 

"See Naples and die"? No, see Naples and live 
to treasure up its unique and striking features for- 
ever in the memory. No other city is like it. No 
city built so gracefully around a beautifully bending 
crescent shaped bay; with its buildings climbing up 
up to the top of the highest hills, and the streets 
winding and winding around and around till the 
summit is reached, and the view is entrancing. It 



Reminiscences 69 



has been said of Naples that ' 'Distance lends enchant- 
ment to the view," and in some respects this is true, 
for a too close inspection of its streets will cause one 
to wonder that so beautiful a city should be permitted 
to remain so filthy. It is said that no other city in 
the world is so filthy except that of Constantinople. 

The poorer classes of the city remote from the 
center live mostly on the sidewalks in front of their 
dwellings almost like stalls or barns, performing all 
their labors in the open air, cooking, washing, shoe- 
ing, etc. One of the principal industries of the city 
is the manufacture of macaroni. 

The National Museum of Naples contains a rich 
collection of all sorts of antiquities, Pompeian relics, 
etc., at which days and even weeks could be spent 
with interest in their examination. 

From Naples we went to Pompeii, several miles 
distant, which is the strangest and most fascinating 
city ruin on the globe. ''No traveler can form any 
adequate idea of the surprises which await him as he 
explores the deserted streets, temples, shops, and 
private dwellings, left very much as it was eighteen 
hundred years ago, and everywhere the bones and 
skeletons of those who once moved and lived in lux- 
ury and life." 

Unfaded mosaics are still seen on the floors, fine 
mural pictures on the walls, furniture, tools and food, 
and parties are still excavating and finding new won- 
ders. On the stony streets one still sees the ruts 
worn in the stones by passing teams, and a stone 
well curb worn in groves by constant friction. My 
stay in this locality was much too brief, as one could 
ramble about for days and still be loth to leave this 
wonderful place. 

And now for a climb to the top of Pompeii's 
great destroyer, first by a carriage drive for several 



70 Reminiscences 



miles, then for about the same distance on horseback, 
but as the volcano becomes steeper in the ascent, we 
are compelled to walk and permit our Pompeian 
guides to assist us, pulling us up by use of ropes 
which they always carry with them, for the pulver- 
ized lava is very tedious to wade through. The mem- 
ber of our party with a kodak took a snap shot of our 
group sitting at the edge of the crater, a novel and 
thrilling position, though not a dangerous one at that 
particular time; but if we ventured too near the edge 
of the crater we were compelled to beat a hasty 
retreat, as the fumes of sulphur were very disagree- 
able. I remarked to a lady in our party that we 
should save some of this pulverized lava for souvenirs 
when she replied: "You will find plenty of it in your 
shoes when you get down," and I did, a teacupful of 
it, now in my cabinet. We fancied we should have 
an easy time descending from our lofty position, and 
so we did, but almost too easy for comfort and grace, 
for the mountain was so steep toward the top that 
we came down very promptly and unceremoniously 
toboggan fashion. A few days after we left Italy, 
we learned that Mt. Vesuvius was in eruption, so we 
thought ourselves fortunate to have had our climb 
when the old destroyer was on his good behavior. 
We afterward climbed to the top of the Leaning 
Tower of Pisa, and before we returned home, we 
heard that wonderful tower was condemned; so we 
were in luck again, but I have always regretted that 
I was not fortunate enough to climb to the top of St. 
Mark's Campanile before that noted tower fell. 

It was said that Napoleon once climbed to the top 
of this tower on horseback, and to prove that he had 
really reached the top, he reined his horse at an open 
window where he could be plainly seen. This is said 
to have occurred after a talk with some of his officers 



Reminiscences 71 



on a project he was planning, when they said: "You 
can no more accomplish this project than you can 
climb that tower on horseback," when to prove that 
he could accomplish both, he quickly turned and made 
the ascent above mentioned. This story may be true, 
but it seems almost incredible. 

On our return trip through Italy to Switzerland, 
we passed through many important places, among 
them Pisa, Milan, and Genoa, though as we passed 
through Genoa during the night, we missed a visit to 
that important city — the home of Columbus. We 
next came to Switzerland, beautiful glorious Switzer- 
land, and this, my second trip to my favorite country, 
I find just as interesting and enchanting as my first. 
We passed through such a lovely country on our way 
here, mountains, lakes, tunnels, etc. , among them St. 
Gothard's tunnel, more than nine miles long. Passed 
beautiful Lake Como, Magoire, and Lugano. 

We arrived at the lovely city of Lucerne on 
Wednesday, July 30th. On my return home, when 
asked what city I admired most of all visited, I 
replied, Lucerne in Switzerland. We had a delightful 
row on the lovely lake of the same name. Our stay 
seemed all too short in this fairy land, and when we 
went up on a lovely hill to take a last view of the city, 
the lake, and the mountains surrounding it, I was sad 
at the thought of leaving it. 

Mary Howe Smith says, in speaking of the people 
of Switzerland: "The Swiss never seem to be idle. 
In some villages the people spend their winters in 
making toys and in carving beautiful and useful 
things out of wood. In other villages and cities 
nearly every one is engaged in watch making. Al- 
though Switzerland is a very small country, it con- 
tains many people. The Swiss are a strong, brave 
people who love their mountains and valleys so much 



72 Reminiscences 



that they are never willing to leave their country. 
Powerful kings have often tried to conquer them, 
but they are so brave that no one has ever been able 
to take away their freedom." 

From Lucerne we took a steamer on the beautiful 
Lake Lucerne for Interlaken, and arrived about noon. 
Intertaken is another very interesting town, nestled 
at the foot of the mountains for which Switzerland is 
noted, situated in a lovely valley. Had an excellent 
hotel, a good rest, and in the morning was ready for 
a climb to Mt. Eiger. The scenery on the way to Mt. 
Eiger is most grand. At the top is the ice grotto — 
halls and rooms cut in the solid ice. As the temper- 
ature was much colder than in the valleys, we donned 
warm wraps. It was a strange experience to be up 
on the ice and snow with winter wraps on this third 
day of August. On our return to the valley we 
passed through the lovely little village of Grindelwald 
and back to the still more interesting Intertaken. 

We started early the next morning for Berne, the 
capital of Switzerland, where we stopped three or 
four hours, took lunch, then a walk around the inter- 
esting old town. Stopped to take a look at the most 
wonderful clock, where many figures walk out and 
pass around as the clock strikes the hour. We also 
visited the bear pit for which Bern is famous; big 
bears and little bears, real and artificial, and the large 
fountains in the middle of the street, many of them, 
and not more than a block apart. Pity but all cities 
would imitate this much needed luxury and necessity. 
Stopped at Lausanne and took dinner, passed the fa- 
mous castle of Chilon, on Lake Geneva, then by car- 
riage through the mountains and the valleys to dear 
little Chamonni, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. 
Here in sight of the snow covered mountains the air 
is so pure and so invigorating one takes on a "new 



Reminiscences 73 



lease of life," and would fain spend the remaining 
days of his life in this quiet sweet spot. Here we 
climbed and climbed again, some on foot and some on 
"mule back," to Mere de Glace on the River of Ice, 
with woolen socks over our shoes to keep from 
slipping into the treacherous cracks in the ice, where 
parties at various times have lost their lives. 

On the morning of August 7th we left beautiful 
Chamouni on train for Geneva and Lake Geneva, 
another beautiful Swiss city, but not so lovely as 
Lucerne. We were here but one day, and the next 
morning started for Paris, having a long ride, with 
supper on train. After a lovely ride through Switzer- 
land and France, we arrived at 11 o'clock at night, 
stopping at the St. James and Albany hotel, a fine 
one in every respect. I enjoyed my second trip to 
Paris much more than my former visit! 

Many places of interest were visited, among the 
most interesting being Eiffel Tower, 1,000 feet high; 
wonderful Gobelin tapestry weaving which takes one 
year to make one yard; Napoleon's tomb, Luxembourg 
gallery, the Louvre, museum, parks, etc., all very 
interesting and very much enjoyed. In the afternoon 
of August 12th I took a train for the north of France 
to visit an old time friend, Mrs. Bianca Wheeler-Scott, 
an artist and a former resident of Davenport, Iowa. 
As I met no one on my trip who could speak English, 
I was very glad and relieved when my friends met 
me at the station and greeted me in plain English. 
Their beautiful home in Maubeuge, Nord, France, 
being in the war zone, they were compelled to leave 
to its fate and in the hands of the enemy, so in com- 
pany with a sister, Miss Ida Wheeler, who had left 
her home in Florida to spend a year with them in 
France, they departed for London. 

Returning in the afternoon next day to Paris, I 



74 Reminiscences 



found our guide, Mr. Johnson, there to meet me. We 
left Paris on the morning of the 15th, passed through 
Rouen and took steamer at Dieppe for New Haven, 
England; crossed the English Channel, which was 
smooth and pleasant, though generally very rough, 
and no one was seasick. Were glad to get on English 
soil and hear the English language spoken. Saturday, 
August 16th, was a lovely day, a fine time to go 
sight-seeing. Went to Tower, House of Parliament, 
Westminster Abbey and, later, to National Gallery, 
British Museum, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park and 
many other interesting places. During our stay in 
the city, London certainly was on her good behavior, 
for we were not annoyed with the usual rain and fog 
so prevalent in this great city. 

Leamington, England, was our next point of in- 
terest, in the immediate vicinity of so many other 
points of more exceeding interest. Beautiful War- 
wick Castle, occupied and open to the public, was 
visited and found to contain many interesting relics, 
paintings, etc., and has a lovely location. We then vis- 
ited the ruins of Kenilworth Castle, once beautiful 
and famous, occupied by some of the royalty of Eng- 
land, but still interesting in its ruins. Who that has 
read Shakespeare would not be interested in a trip to 
Stratford on Avon to visit the quaint home of the 
author and his interesting city? The old home espec- 
ially is quaint and odd, the new home, of course, 
more modern and up-to-date. The lovely Avon River 
that winds its way through the town and by his last 
resting place, the little church, is a beautiful stream. 

Leaving the Shakespeare home, we departed for 
beloved Scotland and arrived at the capital city, 
Edinburgh, in the afternoon of August 23rd. We 
are now in beautiful Scotland, the land I love next to 
Switzerland and my own country. Called to see my 



Reminiscences 75 



landlady, Mrs. Darling, with whom I stopped two 
years before, on Prince Street, one of the finest 
streets in the city. We stopped at Cockburn's hotel 
(pronounced Coburn), an excellent hotel, where an 
abundance of everything the market afforded was set 
before us to help ourselves; no tiresome waiting on 
the white aproned fraternity for what you have 
ordered. 

This is a dear old city with so many dear associa- 
tions connected with the man Scotland loved best, Sir 
Walter Scott, where on Prince Street is an imposing 
and beautiful Gothic monument erected to his memory. 
August 25th was a pleasant day and I was glad for 
we went to Melrose Abbey and Abbottsford, Scott's 
home, having a lovely ride from Melrose to Abbotts- 
ford and back. Scott's home is replete with interest- 
ing and valuable relics. It has 20,000 books in the 
library and the old chest in which Ginevra playfully 
hid herself from her lover on her wedding day, when 
a cruel spring lock fastened her in forever. There 
were hundreds of interesting souvenirs presented to 
him by friends in all stations of life, for he was loved 
by all, the gifts making his interesting home a per- 
fect museum of curiosities, and everything is just as 
he left it. He died in 1832. The beautiful Tweed 
River runs near his home, the waters of which are as 
clear as crystal, a tiny bottle of which I obtained for 
a souvenir, as I also did from other prominent bodies 
and streams of water, to the amusement of some of 
the members of our party. Am very much disap- 
pointed that we did not go to the Trossachs and 
through the north of Ireland, unfortunate delays pre- 
venting. We started in the afternoon of August 26th 
for Glasgow, reaching the city at six o'clock. It was 
so rainy most of the time that we did not get out in 
the city to visit interesting places and things, but 



76 Reminiscences 



started by train for Greenock to take passage on the 
steamer Furnessia for America and I felt sad to leave 
beautiful Scotland. We reached Greenock, a place 
made memorable by Burns and his Highland Mary, 
about 6.30. 

Friday, August 29th. Came on steamer last night, 
finding it not so fine as the Southwark, being smaller 
and very crowded. Reached Moville near Ireland and 
several passengers went out in small boats to the 
shores of Ireland and brought heather, shamrock and 
flowers, and returned singing gaily and cheerily 
"Coming Through the Rye." 

August 30th, we are fairly on our way home, the 
ocean very rough and nearly everybody seasick. 

Sunday, August 31st, we went out on deck to get 
some pure air and had arranged ourselves comforta- 
bly in our steamer chairs and steamer rugs, when up 
came a huge wave and nearly submerged us all. We 
lost no time in getting out of the range of it, moving 
near the center of the deck. 

Monday, September 1st. Another stormy day, 
the waves mounting high, the steamer rolling, dishes 
rattling, notwithstanding they are placed in frames 
or pens to keep them from rolling off the table, pas- 
sengers staggering around — all who attempted to 
stand, many sick, but all trying to make the best of it. 

Tuesday, September 2nd. Still cloudy and rainy 
but not quite so boisterous. 

September 3rd, still stormy and the fog horn 
blowing, something dreaded as much or more on the 
sea than a storm. Had music and singing tonight, 
which helps to cheer us up and scatter the gloomy 
inside clouds. James Whitcomb Riley's sunshine poem 
is very applicable for such times and all times: 

"The inner side of every cloud 
Is bright and shining; 



Reminiscences 77 



And so I turn my clouds about 
And always wear them inside out 
To show the lining. ' ' 

September 4th. The sun shone beautifully this 
morning and all were so glad. We went up on deck 
and sat in the sunshine all day. Everyone happy 

September 5th. Another change, foggy, fog horn 
blowing and waves rolling high, but passengers try to 
pass the time pleasantly by telling anecdotes, conun- 
drums, etc. 

September 6th. How happy every one is again 
this morning to see the sun shine! It has been a lovely 
day, just as Thursday was. Stayed on deck all 
day. 

On Monday the worst stormy day we had, one of 
the deck hands was so severely hurt by being thrown 
against the railing that he died and was buried at sea. 
His body was placed in a box covered with black 
cloth, draped with the English flag, then quietly 
dropped into the sea. 

September 7. Another lovely morning, the sea 
calm and birds flying over the water, the little 
"Mother Cary's chickens" gracefully riding on the 
topmost waves, and the passengers singing on deck. So 
many took part in the singing that it sounded very 
sweet. Everybody is on tiptoe of expectation tonight, 
expecting to land before daylight. 

September 8th. At daylight we saw land, dear 
land of home and, oh, how dear it does seem after 
our stormy voyage! Getting our baggage together, 
we stood in line and stepped off the steamer at last, 
and found the officers very lenient. 

Stopping a few days in New York City at the 
Broadway Hotel, we visited Central Park and a few 
other places, then for home, sweet home, which I 
reached at 6.30, September 13, 1902. 



78 Reminiscences 



Home again, home again from a foreign shore, 

And oh, it fills my soul with joy 

To meet my friends once more! 

Here I dropped the parting tear 

To cross the ocean's foam, 

But now I'm once again with those 

Who kindly greet me home. 

J. A. H. Colby. 

A Light in the Window for Me 

"Let your light so shine before men that they 
may see your good works, and glorify your Father 
which is in heaven." 

"How far that little candle throws its light; 
So shines a good deed on a naughty world." 

When night rolls her curtains down over the earth, 
And the inmates of homes are drawn round the hearth, 
To the passer outside how cheering the sight 
From these pleasant homes is the beautiful light. 

When the glow of the sunset is merged into gray; 
And all things are dimmed that belong to the day, 
The toiler exclaims as his home he can see, 
"Oh joy! there's a light in the window for me!" 

A maiden belated by strenuous tasks, 
So ill and so weary that rest 's all she asks, 
When out o 'er her pathway a radiance — "0 see! 
Dear home folks with light in the window forme." 

A wee child was lost and was found in a park 
Wandering alone when the night it was dark, 
When suddenly bounding and clapping with glee — 
"See! there 's mamma with light in winder for me!" 

There 's one always ready the needy to aid, 

And with a sick neighbor she cheerfully staid. 

' 'When weary with watching, how kind, dear, of thee 

To place a bright light in the window for me." 



Reminiscences 79 



A maid by her window sat peering outside, 
To see her brave horseman she eagerly tried. 
For the storm it was raging, a bleak fearful night, 
So she kept in her window a bright cheerful light. 

When safe he returned from the great storm's sad 

plight, 
"I never," he said, "could have braved this dark 

night, 
Or reached here in safety, to home and to thee, 
Had there not been a light in the window forme." 

The path was all covered with sleet and with snow, 
And the traveler bewildered knew not where to go, 
When all of a sudden a beautiful light 
Dispersed all the darkness and blackness of night. 

He hastened his footsteps, his fears all dispelled, 
And paused at a cottage from which the light welled. 
The kind inmates told him that each stormy night 
From their window would gleam a beacon of light. 

So may it be with us when traveling through life, 
As we pass through the shadows of darkness or strife, 
While receiving life's blessings may there always be 
The beacon of light in the window for me. 

May each life be like sunshine to radiate light, 
And scatter the shadows of sorrow and blight; 
May love and may kindness and sunshine so glow, 
That 't will make of this earth a heaven below. 

Have a light in the window for weary ones' feet, 
And a light in the window the erring to greet, 
That each one may say as his home he can see, 
"Thank God! there 's a light in the window for me!" 

Julia A. Hovey-Colby. 

[A companion piece to "Smoke from the Chimney."] 



80 Reminiscences 



Is the World Growing More Humane? 

The answer to this important question can better 
and more comprehensively be given by looking back- 
ward at the beginning of this work which was intro- 
duced by Mr. Henry Bergh in 1866! The first society 
for the prevention of cruelty to animals in America 
was organized in New York City April 10th, 1866. 
"On the 9th of April of the same year, Mr. Bergh 
secured the passage by the legislature of New York 
of the first comprehensive law enacted in this country 
for the protection of animals." 

In 1867 the Pennsylvania Society for the Preven- 
tion of Cruelty to animals was organized. The Mas- 
sachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 
Animals was incorporated in May, 1868, by Mr. 
George T. Angell. 

A few incidents connected with the work of this 
pioneer, and related by him, will serve to show the 
great advance for good in the humane cause. He 
states that his first address on the subject, at a 
teachers' convention, was met with great ridicule, 
and it was probably the first teachers' convention 
addressed on this subject in this country. He gave 
them an interesting and forcible lecture, showing the 
connection between cruelty and crime, and how the 
remedy was away down in the public schools. 

Many years ago in England, an influential mem- 
ber of parliament presented a bill to be acted upon 
for the suppression of cruelty to animals, when he 
was jeered and ridiculed by opposing members, but 
nothing daunted, he continued his plea and won, and 
this was the first law of this kind enacted in England 
where now there are many humane societies (speaking 
of the times before the war, of course) and great 
good accomplished by them. 



Reminiscences 81 



Mr. Angell interviewed wealthy and influential 
people and many of the nobles of the Old World in 
the cause, who gave it their attention and assistance, 
thereby giving it the popularity and impetus which it 
gained in that country. By his earnest and persistent 
efforts, a law was enacted by the Massachusetts leg- 
islature for the prevention of cruelty to animals and 
he was made very happy. Previous to this there was 
no law in Massachusetts to prevent a man from starv- 
ing his cattle to death if he chose to do so, which 
actually occurred in a Massachuseets town many 
years ago, when in a spirit of revenge a number of 
fine cattle were locked in a stable and starved to 
death. The neighbors of the man who committed the 
inhuman deed tried to find some law under which this 
cruel man could be punished, but found there was no 
such law in the state. 

Many more such cruel scenes were related by him 
which would not be tolerated now, and naturally kind- 
hearted people have grown more kind and the cruel 
are curbed by fear of the law. Mr. Angell himself 
says, "What a change has come! Our societies now 
have agents in every city and town of the state, and 
we are sending out in various languages millions of 
'Black Beauty* and other humane publications, and 
tens of thousands of Bands of Mercy have been 
formed in the United States and various other coun- 
tries." What is true of Massachusetts is true of all 
states of the Union to some extent, though Massachu- 
setts is the state that has the first law prohibiting 
vivisection in the public schools. 

The new State of Oklahoma comes next in the 
line of honor, if I mistake not, as she has enacted a 
law that kindness to animals must be taught in all 
her public schools, the penalty for noncompliance be- 
ing a withholding of the teacher's salary. 



82 Reminiscences 



Our own earnest Ella Wheeler Wilcox gives a list 
of the states having humane education laws, which 
are California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Mas- 
sachusetts, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, 
Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington, 
and Wyoming. We sincerely hope the rest of the 
states will soon follow their example. 

A few years ago in Kansas City a gigantic Band 
of Mercy meeting, consisting of 25,000 children, was 
held in the great Convention Hall, where a chorus of 
150 voices furnished the music. At one point in the 
exercises, the whole 25,000 children arose and repeated 
the pledge together: "I will try to be kind to all living 
creatures, and try to protect them from cruel usage." 

The wanton slaughter of the dear little innocent 
birds has always been to me a source of great pain 
and sorrow, for I realize, as all lovers of bird life do, 
their great value to both farm and orchard, and I feel 
assured that the spraying of fruit trees, so often of 
late resorted to for checking the inroads of destructive 
insects, could almost entirely be abandoned by a 
greater protection of birds. So great is my love for 
our dear winged friends that I place many receptacles 
on platforms above the reach of cats, filled with fresh 
water for their daily drink and bath, and I am repaid 
for my care of them by their sweet songs of grati- 
tude and joy and my pleasure in watching them 
bathe; besides, I consider it a beautiful object lesson 
for my pupils, who enjoy watching them as much as 
I do and who are made kinder by the lesson. 

One great oversight in this department of humane 
work has been the lack of public places in the shape 
of fountains and drinking places for the lower ani- 
mals, and people as well, which we are glad to see 
are being more generally supplied. 

We have reason to feel greatly encouraged by the 



Reminiscences 83 



growing interest in behalf of our birds, both in the 
humane and Audubon societies, as well as among the 
people more generally, and all bird lovers not only 
rejoice because of the recent enactment for their pro- 
tection, but breathe a hope and a prayer that the 
good law may not be repealed by the activities of 
their cruel enemies who kill them for sport. A prom- 
inent writer expresses his opinion that the benefit 
derived by farmers and horticulturists from the 
enforcement of these laws, will secure them against 
the efforts of the "sporting interests" for their repeal. 

It was Mr. AngelPs firm conviction that if child- 
ren were taught the principles of humanity in the 
schools, colleges and universities, that war would 
cease on the earth, for he says: "Just so soon and so 
far as we pour into all our schools the songs, poems, 
and literature of mercy toward these lower creatures 
just so far shall we reach the roots, not only of cru- 
elty but of crime." And again he says: 

"Millions are poured into our colleges and univer- 
sities to educate the brains of America, while almost 
nothing is done to educate the heart." 

"Save the children and you save the country." 
An eminent French teacher says that when he began 
to teach kindness to animals in his school, he found 
his pupils became not only kinder to animals, but also 
kinder to each other. 

In a large Scotland public school at Edinburgh, 
out of about seven thousand pupils carefully taught 
kindness to the lower animals, it was found that not 
one had ever been charged with a criminal offense. 

Frances Willard wrote to Mr. Angell: "I look 
upon your mission as a sacred one, not second to any 
founded in the name of Christ. 1 } 

Mr. J. W. Cottrell, general superintendent of the 
Detective Association of America, says: "With twen- 



84 Reminiscences 



ty-five years experience as an officer, very few crimi- 
nals are found who have been taught to love animals; 
and in searching for the cause of crime, we find that 
the lack of humane education is the principal one." 

A gentleman who has traveled widely in our 
southern and western states, says that wherever he 
has gone he has found a rapidly growing interest in 
regard to humane education in our schools. 

Ella Wheeler Wilcox, in an earnest appeal for the 
cause, quoted from several of our earnest workers 
and among them she gives the following: "The time 
will come," says Dr. Stillman, president of the Albany 
society, "when the State will recognize that a fence 
at the top of a precipice is better than an ambulance 
at the bottom; and that humane education will serve 
as such a fence when it is introduced into the public 
schools of the state," a sentiment we all echo. 

A good humane creed: 

"Humane work in every school. 

Ministers to preach it. 

Teachers to teach it. 

Authors and journalists to write about it. 

To encourage the erection of drinking fountains 
instead of monuments. 

To frown down the society, man or woman who 
drives a high checked or docked horse." 

If this excellent creed should be generally adopted, 
the good time hoped for would soon be here. 

In retrospection we see the entire subject of 
mercy and kindness to animals treated with the 
utmost indifference and ridicule, but as the years go 
by kind-hearted humanitarians, imbued with the 
spirit of Christ and a hatred for cruelty and injustice, 
are earnestly coming to the rescue of our dear dumb 
friends who cannot speak for themselves; so, taking 
all things into consideration, we have reason to be 



Reminiscences 85 



greatly encouraged in the work and to feel assured 
the world is growing more humane, at least on this 
side of the ocean. 

In connection with this encouraging thought, we 
have only to turn our thoughts back to the early work 
of our earnest pioneers in this great cause and then 
note with what great appreciation and honor they are 
now received. In commenting upon the passing to 
spirit life of Mr. George T. Angell, it is said that 
when his work here was done and the sad news of 
his death was announced, hundreds of telegrams and 
messages of sorrow and regret were poured into his 
home. The Massachusetts society which he had 
founded gave a floral design seven feet by ten in size, 
representing a horse drinking at a public fountain, 
besides masses of other flowers and designs on both 
casket and grave. One beautiful feature, represent- 
ing his love for the animal world, was the thirty-six 
horses as honorary pall bearers, accompanied by a 
famous old horse, "Ned," thirty-five years old, who 
marched just behind the hearse, all wearing black 
satin rosettes with long streamers on their bridles; and 
more than two thousand work horses, also wearing 
black satin rosettes, were lined up on each side of the 
city's streets along which this "angel of mercy" was 
conveyed. "No burial of prince or potentate was ever 
so sadly, yet so significantly honored as was this kind 
old man whose name was the symbol of his gentle 
spirit, an Angell of mercy." 

He prayeth best who loveth best 
All things both great and small 

For the dear Lord who loveth us, 
He made and loveth all. 

Julia A. H. Colby. 



86 Reminiscences 



A Warning 



'T was the night of Thanksgiving when all through 

the house 
There was a commotion that did us arouse; 
'T was late in the night, and what could be the 

matter? 
For out on the pavement there was such a clatter 
That startled me and set all my teeth a chatter. 

I looked out the window, and what do you think? 
A man hitched his horse and as quick as a wink 
He came up our doorstep and walked right in, 
And asked what it meant to hear such a din, 
For the noises inside were as dismal as sin. 

There came from one corner a heart-rending moan. 
And still from another a terrible groan, 
And down from above came the shriek of a child, 
Till I thought I should long before morning go wild. 
Till I thought I should long before morning go wild. 

Now what do you think all this noise was about 
That caused those young hopefuls to yell and to 

shout? 
And who was the man who came in so quickly 
And found the whole place so noisyand sickly? 
And found the whole place so noisy and sickly? 

Why, he was the doctor who came double quick, 
And found all those children so terribly sick. 
And would you all know the plain reason why? 
They ate too much Thanksgiving turkey and pie. 
They ate too much Thanksgiving turkey and pie. 

J. A. H. Colby. 



Reminiscences 87 



Wanted— A Christian Thanksgiving 

The following extracts from several health jour- 
nals should set people into a serious train of thought 
if they value perfect health and would cultivate a 
spirit of kindness to every living creature: 

"Again, as a nation, we enact our annual Chris- 
tian farce of rendering thanks to a God whom we 
profess to believe is so full of mercy and justice that 
he notes even the fall of a sparrow, by the wholesale 
slaughter of inarticulate life in order that we may 
give thanks by a feast of blood. The chief feature of 
Thanksgiving is no longer the president's or gover- 
nor's proclamation, or the sermon, or patriotic ad- 
dresses — not even the foot ball game. 

' 'For weeks before the appointed day the slaugh- 
ter of turkeys and chickens and other innocent life is 
the chief industry of this so-called Christian festival. 
If there be a God of love in this sentient life, surely 
the groans of the inarticulate reach him long before 
the prayers from lips red with the blood of these 
innocent creatures. We are glad to note that a more 
humane sentiment is gaining ground. 

"The Thanksgiving frontispieces of our Christain 
periodicals are now seldom adorned with pictured 
morgues of turkey corpses and other dead things, and 
the beautiful and appropriate emblems of the harvest 
of seed and fruitage have taken their place. Now let 
the Thanksgiving festive board come up to the level 
of the frontispieces of the Christian journals, then as 
Christians gather about it, beautiful with the rich 
blessings of the harvest, they may utter the truly 
Christian grace: 

"Our Father, we thank thee that no sentient 
creature of thine has suffered death that we may live. 

' 'When it is estimated that at least nine-tenths of 



Reminiscences 



all meat that is consumed is more or less diseased, or 
poisoned by brutal killing, should we not investigate 
this subject more thoroughly before we consent to 
make graveyards of our stomachs? 

"In California a number of people were poisoned 
by eating meat, and the cases were so remarkable 
that the physicians in attendance demanded an inves- 
tigation of the condition of the animals at the time of 
slaughter whose flesh had such dire effect on all who 
had partaken of it. The man whose business it was 
to kill testified that the animal was a large ox, a 
magnificent looking creature, strong and full of life. 
He fought bravely to save it. He met his murderers 
defiantly, with eyes starting from their sockets, nos- 
trils distended, mouth foaming. He roared and pawed 
the ground, and tried in every way to defend and 
save his life for over an hour. Finally he was con- 
quered. His flesh was sold with the awful results 
related above. 

"Perhaps it is not generally known that poison is 
transmitted to milk in a similar way. Young calves 
have become suddenly and violently sick after partak- 
ing of milk from a cow that has been frightened or 
unkindly treated, and accounts have been given of 
babies suddenly falling back dead in their mothers' 
arms when the mother had been greatly agitated by 
fear or anger, nursing them immediately thereafter. 

"It is claimed that savages poison their arrows 
by sticking them into carcasses and leaving them 
exposed a few hours in the sun. 

"If those who argue that the workingman could 
not live and do hard work without a flesh diet would 
take the pains to investigate the subject, they would 
find that the majority of those who never partake of 
meat are stronger and hardier, and with greater 
power of endurance than those who do, for in the 



Reminiscences 89 



many contests in strength, in walking, etc., in almost 
every instance the non-meat eater comes out ahead. 

"In a little village in Maine there is a colony of 
vegetarians, and it is stated that they are noted for 
their vigor and healthfullness. The girls are famed 
for their beauty and there is little or no sickness in 
the entire community. 

Some time ago the New York Evening Journal 
arranged a competition for a prize, offered by the 
publishers, which was to be given to the strongest 
and most perfectly developed boy. The prize was 
won by a young man of nineteen, who says of him- 
self: "If I had been told fifteen months ago that I was 
to be declared the most perfectly developed boy in 
America I should have treated it as a cruel joke. At 
that time I was a rheumatic cripple, unable to crawl 
out of bed in the morning without excruciating pain. 
I was very weak. My arms and legs were like drum 
sticks, and this, coupled with my short stature, con- 
vinced my friends that I was going to be an invalid 
all my life. Taken as a whole, I was about the most 
unlikely youth to win a strong boys' contest that could 
have been found in the wide, wide world." The writer 
says of him: 

1 'Mr. Weinburgh worked his way up from a bed 
of sickness to the position of a prize winner by devot- 
ing himself assiduously to the development of his 
body by natural methods. First of all he gave up 
tobacco, coffee, tea and flesh foods. Then he began 
systematic physical exercise. Without doubt the great 
majority of chronic invalids could cure themselves by 
following the example of this young man." 

"We quite agree with Ella Wheeler Wilcox in her 
assertion that chronic ill health is a thing to be 
ashamed of and that it is without exception the result 
of ignorance, laziness, wrong mental attitudes and 



90 Reminiscences 



foolish eating and drinking." 

The question has been asked, ' 'Are we cannibals?" 
In commenting on this subject, a writer says: 

"The cannibal cannot understand how a man can 
be properly fed without a roasted man or a delicately 
browned baby. The flesh eater, a little more humane, 
considerately refrains from eating his own species, 
but is equally sure his strength can only be sustained 
by eating his dumb friends in fur and feather. Some 
day we shall all have evolved until we are as rational 
as our little relatives, the monkeys, who take their 
natural and wholesome food from the vegetable world 
at first hand." J. A. H. Colby. 



Disfranchised or American Women and 
Their ' 'Political Superiors' ' 

A wave of huge dimensions is spreading o'er the 

land, 
With onward rush so mighty, so forceful and so 

grand 
That nothing can oppose it, or check its onward way, 
As it sweeps from out the darkness into the light of 

day. 

What means this mighty army with onward tread so 

firm, 
So peaceful in its bearing, so kindly yet so stern, 
That first was met with jeering, but now commands 

respect, 
And even from opponents protection they expect. 

It means disfranchised citizens of culture and of 

worth, 
Amenable to every law, Americans by birth, 



Reminiscences 91 



Are aroused by the injustice that so long has them 

enthralled 
By "political superiors" (?) or "Creation Lords" so 

called. 

Are bifurcated raiments the passports to the claim 
Of their superiority in this important game? 
Or is the weight in morals or intellect so great 
That they e'erbalance others' merits and o'er them sit 
in state? 

Let 's see; here comes a new recruit just from a dis- 
tant shore, 
But of our laws and politics he knows but little more 
Than a primary school boy, while our own native boys, 
Though well informed, till 21 must wait the franchise 
joys. 

But he 's a man — let him vote. 

But who comes here next with a jaunty sauntering 

pose, 
Sporting a fancy cane, with an eye glass on his nose, 
Arrayed in stylish garments and embellished with 

fine rings, 
But in his upper story sadly lacking many things? 
But he 's a man(?) — let him vote. 

A cloud on the horizon brings another voter near, 
And if you bribe him largely, he '11 vote your ticket, 

never fear; 
As he never asked for suffrage, and the right was on 

him thrust, 
He cares little for the outcome so his pocket 's lined 

with dust; 

But he 's a man(?) — let him vote. 



94 Reminiscences 



vailing styles of dress, our involuntary thought is, 
how can any sensible woman make a caricature of 
herself by following such absurd fashions? 

If our "lords of creation" should be as changea- 
ble, fickle and foolish in their style of dress as are 
the women, what a motley, hetrogeneous crowd there 
would be; but to their everlasting credit be it said 
that they have the good sense to dress in a becoming 
and comfortable manner, without the absurd, non- 
sensical and continual changing of fashions so preva- 
lent among the other sex. J. A. H. Colby. 



Memorial Month 

February ranks smallest in line of the months, 
But greatest in note, as we know well, 
For it ranks as the birth month of four noted men — 
Washington, Lincoln, Longfellow, Lowell. 

The 22nd is the birthday of Washington and Lowell, 
Our honored and loved Lincoln the 12th, 
While for Longfellow in memory we keep 27th; 
Their greatness more precious than wealth. 

Washington and Lincoln each presidents great, 
Who are loved by our people so well; 
The others are poets — four links in the chain — 
Washington, Lincoln, Longfellow, Lowell. 

Julia A. H. Colby. 



Republic Club Reception 

Of the many pleasant socials that the Republic 
Club has enjoyed, none were more appreciated than 
that given last week in honor of Mrs. Julia Colby's 
return from Claremore, Oklahoma, where she had 



Reminiscences 95 



gone to recuperate. The social was in the nature of 
a surprise to Mrs. Colby, and occurred on our regular 
meeting day at her home. Mrs. Colby, in honor of 
the club meeting with her, had decorated her home 
beautifully, the most conspicuous decorations being 
the picture of E. G. Lewis and the American Women's 
Republic flag. All left feeling that the Woman's 
Republic was indeed a fraternal institution. 

N. K. Ellis. 
Springfield, Mo., August 4, 1913. 



The pupils of the eighth grade of Campbell School 
enjoyed a rare treat on Washington's birthday. Mrs. 
Julia Colby, the teacher of a private school, very 
kindly invited them to come to her house the after- 
noon of the twenty-second. As Mrs. Colby has been 
abroad twice she told the children many things that 
they could not get from books. As the pupils have 
just finished the study of "The Merchant of Venice" 
her talk on the "City of Silence" was especially 
interesting and instructive. Then she showed many 
curios that she had collected on her travels and told 
stories of them. On the walls of Mrs. Colby's home 
are many beautiful pictures of scenes in foreign 
lands. She began with the pictures of Scotland and 
England, telling where the places in the pictures 
were situated and many interesting things about each 
one. She ended with the Swiss and Venetian scenes, 
of which she told us a great deal, as Switzerland is 
her favorite country after America. Mrs. Colby has 
many small flags from the different nations, but the 
two she prizes most are the Swiss and the American 
flags. Florence McLaughlin as Martha Washington 
and Helen Wood as a Swiss girl welcomed the guests. 
Mrs. Colby had provided music, which was wholly 



96 Reminiscences 



wholly unexpected and therefore the pupils enjoyed 
it more. The afternoon passed all too quickly and the 
guests left giving Mrs. Colby a vote of thanks for the 
pleasure she had given. 

Mrs. Colby Entertains 

By invitation of Mrs. Julia Colby, the Humane 
Society met at her cosy home Friday evening, June 
8th. Mrs. Colby's Swiss cottage on Grant Street, 
modeled after the cottages she had seen in Switzer- 
land, is unique and attractive, both outside and 
inside, and the yard is beautifully kept. The walls of 
the interior are literally covered with pictures, views 
of the places and scenes she visited while abroad, and 
she has a cabinet containing curios and specimens that 
are worthy a place in any museum. 

Mrs. Colby had prepared a very pleasing program 
of music, readings, and recitations, given by Profes- 
sor Allen and children from her school and the Band 
of Mercy. The children performed their parts well, 
giving much evidence of talent and delighting all 
those present. 



A Rare Teacher 

The president of the New Hampshire Woman's 
Humane Society is in receipt of a letter received 
within a few days from one of the delegates to the 
National Humane convention. The penmanship of 
the letter is so perfect as to almost resemble copper 
plate. This delegate is a school teacher in one of 
the large western cities and notwithstanding her 
advanced age of seventy-five years she is at her desk 
in the school room every day during the school year. 
We learned that her success and popularity which has 



Reminiscences 97 



kept her off the pension list was attained by her 
teaching the heart as well as the head. The children's 
parents were quick to perceive that the teaching of 
kindness, honor, justice, and consideration for the 
weak were as necessary for good citizenship as addi- 
tion and subtraction. One could fill columns with her 
practical teachings to her pupils of the art of being 
kind. She is one of those rare teachers whose very 
name is revered by the scholars as well as the 
parents. She had employed a substitute to take her 
place in the schoolroom and she traveled 800 miles to 
be present at this convention. She never missed a 
session, and her sweet, gentle face beamed with 
delight as she listened to the papers and discussions. 
One of her recent kind acts was to send five dollars 
toward the G. T. Angell memorial fund for the 
Humane Building. 

Mrs. M. J. Kendall, 
Nashua, New Hampshire. 



(From the National Humane Review) 
For many years Mrs. Julia A. H. Colby of Spring- 
field, Missouri, has been vigorously championing the 
humane cause throughout her own and neighboring 
States. Many years of her life have been spent as a 
teacher in the schoolroom, where she has been able 
to touch the lives of hundreds of children and help 
develop within them splendid character and good cit- 
izenship. The value of humane education has long 
been known to her, and scarcely a day is allowed to 
pass that some time is not set aside for a lesson along 
humane educational lines. 

In connection with her humane work she is a 
great temperance advocate and always wears the 
white ribbon. In spite of the fact that Mrs. Colby is 



98 Reminiscences 



nearly eighty years of age, she is hale and strong and 
is still teaching a private school. She attended the 
thirty-third annual meeting of The American Humane 
Association at St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1909, and has 
always shown her interest in the national anticruelty 
movement. M. J. Kendall. 



Mrs. Colby in Oklahoma 

Claremore, July 26, 1913. — Editor Republican: 
I would like to jot down a few items for you from 
this noted locality — noted because of its interesting 
radium wells. 

The wells from which the water is piped to the 
many different bath houses are situated a mile from 
the heart of the town and one, especially, is a curios- 
ity in itself. It gushes out from the curbing which 
surrounds it, and which is incrusted inches thick with 
the deposits contained in the water, giving it the 
appearance of a natural rock formation, and the 
gushing water a little fountain. 

Claremore is a beautifully situated town of some- 
thing near five thousand inhabitants, and is more 
up-to-date than most places of its size, and according 
to its size it excels our city in fine cement walks. 
There is a fine cement walk the entire distance to the 
wells, a mile or more; also one to the State Prepara- 
tory University, situated a mile in the opposite 
direction, on a ridge commanding a fine view of the 
town, and is itself a beautiful structure. 

Claremore can boast of something which our city 
has not, and that is a beautiful little park right in 
the heart of the town, with graveled walks and beau- 
tifully laid out beds of flowers, and a fountain in the 
center. That is what we should have, right in the 
center of our square. 



Reminiscences 99 



I am delightfully situated with Mrs. Woodson on 
Muskogee and Second streets (the most of the streets 
have Indian names, and you see many natives on the 
streets), and I would advise ladies who would like a 
quiet and restful place with a kind and obliging lady, 
to stop with Mrs. Woodson. 

Before returning home I spent a few days with 
Mrs. Dr. Means, living next door to Mrs. Woodson, 
whose kindness to me I shall always remember with 
great pleasure. 

Through the kindness of Mrs. A.. L. Kates, an 
obliging and popular citizen of Claremore, who gave 
me a pleasant drive through the city, I was enabled 
to see much of interest and pleasure, and most espec- 
ially the magnificent view of Claremore from the 
University Heights. 

I came here for a rest and have enjoyed my stay 
very much, barring the extreme hot weather of the 
first few days, and an accident that gave all of 
this family a close call, for in the severe storm 
of Wednesday night, the 23rd, the house was struck 
by lightning and took fire, and for the first exciting 
half hour we all thought the pretty home was 
doomed, and it was only by the greatest effort of 
the fire department that the flames were subdued and 
the home saved; but when the electrician came the 
next day to repair the damages and told us that had 
the lightning struck just a few feet north of where it 
did strike, that there would have been a terrible 
explosion, that the house would have been torn to 
atoms and the inmates (four of us) would all have 
been killed without any chance of escape, we all real- 
ized what a close call we had had, and how thankful 
we were that we were alive. 

Julia A. H. Colby. 



100 Reminiscences 



W. C. T. U. Rally Song 

There is a band of workers called the W. C. T. U., 
They are numbered by the thousand and they 're 

brave and strong and true; 
From a handful of Crusaders to our solid ranks they 

they grew, 

Our brave W. C. T. U. 

They have entered in the conflict the great foe of 

home to fight, 
With a firm resolve to conquer this great enemy of 

might, 
And the weapon that they carry is the little bow of 

of white, 

Our brave W. C. T. U. 

There was ne 'er a greater army for they work for all 
the world, 

And for all oppressed and sorrowing their banner is 
unfurled, 

But against all wrong and evil things their condem- 
nation 's hurled, 

Our brave W. C. T. U. 

Ne 'er discouraged by resistance, nothing daunted by 

defeat, 
Our brave workers for good order still their efforts 

will repeat, 
And they '11 rally to their standard till their victory is 

complete, 

Our brave W. C. T. U. 

Then the world shall see the glory of the mighty work 

that 's done, 
Which by brave Crusaders for our blessed country was 

begun, 



Reminiscences 101 



And we '11 praise our Heavenly Father for the victory 
that is won, 

Our brave W. C. T. U. 
Chorus — 

Hail to all our faithful workers, 

Hail to all our faithful workers, 

Hail to all our faithful workers, 

Of the W. C. T. U. 

How I Earned My W. C. T. U. Dollar 

High up among the Ozarks 

And nestled 'mong the trees, 
Is a city christened Springfield, 

Far away from polar breeze; 
Where the summers are delightful 

And the winters not severe, 
Where the people are progressive 

And industrious all the year. 

But one fact mars the pleasure 

Of the sober of our city, 
And where there is so much that 's good 

It surely is a pity 
To see so many licensed dens 

That trap the unwary in 
And lead the good from upright paths 

To paths of vice and sin. 

So a noble band of workers 

Called the W. C. T. U., 
"For God and home and native land," 

A brave and gallant crew, 
Have fastened on their armor, 

The little bow of white, 
And 'listed in the service 

The force of wrong to fight. 



102 Reminiscences 



To aid the force in working 

A novel way was planned; 
An edict from headquarters came 

To members of the band 
To stir themselves and earn the funds 

In some unusual way, 
Then write up their experience 

In rhyme without delay. 

I chose as my employment 

The lucre to provide 
To canvas for a picture 

That 's noted far and wide. 
In Chicago's Magic City 

First in prominence appears 
The "American Woman 

And Her Political Peers." 

In this design you see four faces, 

A motley looking crowd, 
Around a sweet and lovely figure 

Of which we all are proud. 
Miss Frances Willard's face shines out 

Intelligent and clear, 
In striking contrast to the forms 

That are assembled near. 

The Indian with his paint and feathers, 

The convict with his stripes, 
The maniac with glaring eyes, 

The imbecile — true type, 
All these with her are equals, 

Politically, true, man, 
Disfranchised they for lack of sense, 

And she because — a woman! 



Reminiscences 103 



So I started on my mission 

To help the cause along, 
With my little ''Suffrage weapon" 

So tiny, yet so strong, 
For it shows you our position 

And how we lack the power 
To help our country and our cause 

In this its trying hour. 

There are many earnest workers 

In the cause we have espoused, 
Who have by observation 

To the fact become aroused, 
As they note how adverse fate 

The wheels of progress blocks, 
That the shortest cut to temperance 

Is through the ballot box. 

That brave Kansas woman, 

Henrietta Briggs Wall, 
Who designed and arranged 

This quaint picture for all, 
And displayed all the figures 

Life size at the fair, 
Little dreamed the great influence 

Thus brought to bear 

On the great cause of freedom 

For woman today, 
For these little missionaries 

Went on their way 
To all parts of the world, 

North, south, east and west, 
And set people to thinking 

While the truth they confessed. 



104 Reminiscences 



An imperial Russian delegate 

Sent compliments and praise 
Of the picture and the lesson 

And said in future days 
He 'd use it in a lecture 

To show to what extent 
America's brave women 

Their energies have bent. 

It was interesting and pleasing 

To watch the different faces 
As they stood before the picture, 

Some on tiptoe in their places, 
And hear the funny sayings, 

And the heartfelt words of praise 
From the earnest men and women 

As they viewed in different ways. 

The flippant and the shallow 

Tossed their heads and speaking loud, 
Said they thought that Frances Willard 

Was in a shocking crowd; 
But retorts were always ready 

And they came both quick and pat — 
Significant responses — 

"She 'II soon be out ofthatl" 

So the advocates of freedom 

Always ready to defend, 
The most intelligent and wise 

Were the warmest to defend, 
And the cause of Woman Suffrage 

Was applauded seven to ten 
By the bravest and the brightest 

Of the women and the men. 



Reminiscences 105 



Bird Incidents — for Children's Corner 

Birds are our friends. We love birds and we feed 
them, and give them water to drink and to bathe in, 
and when the pretty red birds, robins, blue jays and 
cat birds come to bathe and splash in the crocks of 
water on the high platforms we put out for them, we 
keep quiet and watch them, for we do not want to 
frighten them away. It is fun to see the big birds 
bathe, and to see the little birds come to get under 
the splashes. The birds come every day at noon to 
be fed, and our teacher puts out crumbs for them, then 
rings a little bell, and you should see then flock to the 
platform to get their dinner. 

One day a funny thing happened. Our teacher 
put out a little wooden dish with crumbs in it for the 
birds, when ever so many big black crows flew on to 
the platform, but one of the biggest crows was so 
greedy he would not let the others come to the dish 
to get a crumb; but one of the other crows thought to 
himself, ' 1 am going to have some of those crumbs, ' ' 
so he flew quickly to the dish (it was light, you see) 
and picked it up with his bill and flew off with it. 
We all laughed and our teacher laughed, too. 

Some people do not like sparrows, but we do, for 
they eat the insects and worms as other birds do, and 
they are plucky little birds and stay with us all winter 
when the other birds are gone, and it would seem 
very lonesome not to have any birds around. 

A lady who lives near where we go to school, 
thought the sparrows were eating her cabbage, so she 
watched them, but found that they were pulling out 
the naughty big worms that were eating her cabbage, 
so she liked them better after that. 

The reason that there are so many worms and 
insects that eat up our fruit and vegetables is because 



106 Reminiscences 



the naughty boys and bad men kill so many of them. 
They call it sport, but we call it murder; the murder 
of the innocents. 

There is a man in our country who loves birds so 
well that he has bird houses built for them all over 
his place. It is a little bird village, and he calls it 
"Birdville," but he doesn't have any cats because they 
would kill his birds, though cats can be trained not 
to kill birds; and he does n't have any bad insects, 
either, to eat up his fruit, because the birds eat them 
up. Would n't it be just grand if everybody did that 
way? 

Our mammas do n't wear birds on their hats 
either, 'cause they do n't think it is right. There are 
some pretty feathers called egretts, and when the bad 
men get them for ladies to wear on their hats, they 
kill the mother bird, then all the little birds in the 
nest die. 

Should you think a lady could feel very proud to 
know that so many dear little lives were sacrificed 
that she might look fine? Do n't you hope that the 
bad men and the foolish women will some time reform 
and love the birds as we do? When they do, the 
birds will not be so afraid of us as they now are, but 
would hop up in our hands to be fed as they do in 
Venice, as my teacher said they did in her hands when 
she was there; and they would love us and nestle in 
our hands, and fly on our shoulders as a dear little 
canary bird does its mistress who lives near us, Mrs. 
Georgie Lovan, whose little bird flies all around the 
house every morning till it finds her, then lights on 
her shoulder and goes all around the rooms with her 
while she is at work, and nestles up close to her face 
and loves her because she is kind to it; and her child- 
ren are taught kindness, too, as all children should be 
taught. Mr. George T. Angell of Boston, had a pet 



Reminiscences 107 



canary, and they loved each other, too, and would 
play hide and seek together, just like two children. 

One Who Loves Birds. 

THE KIND BIRD MAN OF PARIS 

"Twice each day in the garden of the Tuileries in 
Paris comes an old man with a flock of trained 
English sparrows. He calls them by name, saying: 
'Come here, Gertrude, come here, Maud,' and two of 
the birds will hop up on his shoulder. Some of them 
are asked to kiss him, which they do; then after they 
have performed various tricks, he gives them their 
semi-daily feast of bread crumbs. 

"By this time a crowd has collected to see him 
and his wonderfully trained birds, and the man takes 
up a collection for the maintenance of himself and his 
pets *" _ 

Another instance is given of a kind man of the 
city of Milan (how I wish there were more like him) 
who bought the cages in which birds were impris- 
oned, opened the doors, and set the birds free, say- 
ing, "I was once in prison, and I do not want to see 
anything imprisoned that I can be the means of 
setting free." 

None but the dear little home canary birds should 
ever be shut up in a cage, for they have been so long 
inured to this manner of life that they probably could 
not care for themselves if given outdoor freedom, but 
they should be given the freedom of the home, and 
be permitted to leave the cage at will. 

I once saw a pretty mocking bird shut up in a 
cage and struggling for the freedom that was its 
right. How I longed to set it free! But the poor 
little prisoner was soon freed by death. 

The Author. 



108 Reminiscences 



A beautiful incident happened in our city not 
long since in the studio of one of our prominent mu- 
sicians, Miss Washatella Turner, whose kindness of 
heart and skill as a musician won the timid little vis- 
itors to her studio. I give the incident as related by 
her in her own words; also the incident she relates of 
the kind old man in Paris, which shows what may be 
accomplished by kindness, for only kindness and gen- 
tleness can win the affection and trust of the dear 
little birds, or other dumb creatures, and to a kind- 
hearted person how sweet is this affection and trust 
they have for us. The Author. 



"Early on a summer morning when I was prac- 
ticing in my studio, I saw, out of the corner of my 
eye, a little English sparrow come timidly in through 
the window, hop down on the floor, and make himself 
quite at home in my room. 1 said, 'Good morning, 
little birdie!' He said, 'Chirp, chirp.' I did not move 
from the piano, thinking it might frighten him, but 
played softly while he examined every inch of the 
room, coming quite close to me many times. Finally 
he perched himself up on the window sill, turned his 
face outward and called. In less time than it takes 
to tell it fully twenty birds joined him on the window 
sill, listening to the music, with heads on one side. 
After remaining about fifteen minutes, they flew 
away, having seemed to enjoy the morning concert!" 

ANOTHER HOME INCIDENT 

Mrs. Bessie Johnson of Meadowmere, her beau- 
tiful home in the suburbs of the city, is such a lover 
of birds and everything in nature that many birds of 
different varieties frequent the lovely grove in front 
of her house, and she said that on one of those warm 



Reminiscences 109 



balmy days in the month of February last, when only 
an occasional robin was seen elsewhere, that she saw 
from her front porch a flock of at least fifty robins 
contentedly hopping about in the yard, and after 
remaining for several minutes all flew away in a flock 
together. 

The beloved and lamented president of our Hu- 
mane Society, Mr. J. E. Mellette, and his nature lov- 
ing wife, were such lovers of our dear feathered 
songsters that they would start out in their carriage, 
going to the woods at three o'clock in the morning, 
that they might enjoy the first notes of the early 
morning concert of our dear friends, the birds, that 
no discordant noises might interrupt or mar the 
harmony. 



DON'T KILL THE BIRDS 

(To be sung in school to the tune of Auld Lang Syne) 
"Don't kill the birds, the little birds, 

That sing about the door, 
Soon as the joyous spring has come, 

And chilling storms are o'er. 
The little birds that sweetly sing, 

Oh let them happy live, 
And do not try to take the life 

That you can never give. 

Don't kill the birds, the little birds, 

Do not disturb their play; 
But let them warble forth their songs 

Till cold drives them away. 
Don't kill the birds, the happy birds, 

That cheer the field and grove; 
So harmless, tender, timid, mild, 

They claim our warmest love. 



110 Reminiscences 



Then spread sweet Mercy's banner wide, 

Ne'er let the standard fall; 
Come children, gather side by side, 

Come to sweet Mercy's call; 
The Bands of Mercy girdle round 

All creatures large and small, 
Striving to follow in God's ways, 

Whose love encircles all." 



"He prayeth well who loveth well 
Both man, and bird, and beast. 

He prayeth best who loveth best 
All things both great and small; 

For the dear Lord who loveth us, 
He made and loveth all." 

— Coleridge. 



Reminiscences 111 



Retrospection 

Teacher, you who have grown to older age, do 
you not delight in going down into the pockets of the 
past and spreading out on memory's page the childish 
souvenirs so kindly presented with little loving hands 
and hearts, and eyes that sparkle with the pleasure 
of giving? 

What a troop of bright memories must follow in 
the wake of the gray-haired teacher, and what would 
you who are not teachers give to be able to say: 

"When the lessons and tasks are all ended, 
And the school for the day is dismissed, 

The little ones gather around me 

To bid me good night and be kissed. 

Oh, the little white arms that encircle 

My neck in their tender embrace! 
Oh, the smiles that are halos of heaven, 

Shedding sunshine of love on my face! 

I shall miss the good nights and the kisses, 
And the gush of their innocent glee; 

The groups on the lawn, and the flowers 
That are brought every morning to me. 

I shall miss them at morn and at even, 

Their song in the school and the street, 

1 shall miss the low hum of their voices 
And the tread of their delicate feet. 

When the lessons of life are all ended, 

And Death says, 'The school is dismissed!' 

May the little ones gather around me 
To bid me good night and be kissed." 



LBS 



